Valmet supplies major PM rebuild to Great Northern Paper, Maine

Published Mar 14, 2000 00.00.00 +2 GMT

Great Northern Paper Inc. (GNP) has selected Valmet to supply an extensive rebuild of their Millinocket, Maine, mill's paper machine no. 11. The scope of the delivery, valued at more than USD 40 million, covers all key machine sections and systems, making the 30-year-old paper machine essentially a new one. The rebuilt machine is scheduled to start up in late summer 2001.

The modernization of PM 11 is based on Valmet's successful OptiConcept technology and includes an OptiFlo headbox, OptiFormer, rebuild of the press section, a dryer section modification, an on-line OptiLoad calender, an OptiReel Plus reel, and paper machine ventilation system, as well as a WinBelt L winder. Neles Automation will supply a Quality control system and a Sensodec 6 S control system. The machine's wire width is 8,130 mm (320 in.) and speed 1220 m/min (4,000 fpm).

‘‘The major equipment ordered from Valmet represent leading edge technology that we could not see running about one year ago, when planning began for this project,’’ commented GNP President Don McNeil. Other decisive factors behind the supplier selection were Valmet's references and the two companies' cooperation, including trial work.

Rebuilding the PM 11 is the cornerstone of Great Northern’s plan to become a coated and uncoated speciality paper company. The project will move the company entirely out of the standard newsprint paper business.

The order, the biggest ever in GNP’s history, is part of the approx. USD 100 million the company will spend in the next few years to modernize its East Millinocket and Millinocket paper mills. The two mills employ some 1,300 workers.

Valmet Corporation is the world's leading supplier of technology, systems and equipment for the pulp, paper, converting and panelboard industries. In 1999, Valmet's net sales was EUR 1.7 billion and it had a personnel of 10,600.

Valmet is a part of Metso Corporation, which was created through the merger of Valmet and Rauma on July 1, 1999 and comprises three business areas: Fiber and Paper Technology (Valmet), Automation and Control Technology, and Machinery. In 1999, the net sales of Metso amounted to EUR 3.4 billion. The combined number of employees was approximately 23,000. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki and New York Stock Exchanges.

For further information: Mr. Ilkka Kauranen, Senior Sales Manager, tel. +358 20 482 150.