Sun Paper Laos: Almost a decade of partnership and progress with Valmet
Since the inauguration of its pulp production line in 2018, Sun Paper Laos has built a strong partnership with Valmet. Over the years, Valmet's technologies and services have become an integral part of the mill’s successful operation. One of the key achievements has been the extension of the mill’s operating cycle from six to fifteen months.
Mr. Ding Xingbang, Pulp Line Production Director, Sun Paper Laos, and Mr. Bundit Thawornthon, Head of Regional Sales, India & SEA, Valmet, are satisfied with the results their teams have achieved over the years.
When Sun Paper decided to build a new dissolving pulp mill in Laos, the operation was based on Valmet’s technology. Valmet’s delivery included the batch cooking process, washing equipment for the entire fiberline using TwinRoll presses, and a lime kiln that uses wood powder as fuel. Since the mill’s start-up in 2018, Valmet has provided maintenance services and shutdown support for all the equipment it has supplied.
Within Sun Paper, the Laos mill was the first one to utilize Valmet’s technology. From that first production line onward, we have recognized Valmet’s strengths in pulp technology – especially in key areas like washing equipment, screening, and the downstream washing system – and services, making Valmet a usual first choice for us,
From systematic maintenance planning to an extended operation cycle
Beyond technology, Valmet’s service teams have supported Sun Paper through annual shutdowns, ensuring smooth maintenance and optimized performance. The cooperation has deepened into a lifecycle partnership combining technical expertise, proactive planning, and on site collaboration.
One of the most tangible results of this cooperation has been the extension of the mill’s operation cycle. Originally, the Laos mill required a shutdown every six months. Thanks to systematic maintenance planning and process optimization, the cycle has now been extended to fifteen months – a record within Sun Paper.
“This achievement has required strong technical support, continuous and open communication, and effective maintenance execution. During each shutdown, Valmet’s experts from Thailand and China come to our site in Laos to support spare part replacement and performance optimization, such as curve matching, ensuring the next cycle maintains high efficiency,” Mr. Ding says.
“We have estimated that extending the operation cycle from six months to fifteen months saves about CNY 22 million per year in maintenance costs. This includes fewer spare parts replacements, and reduced labour expenses. Fewer shutdowns also mean more production days, which directly increases profit,” he continues.
The efficiency of Valmet TwinRoll presses and lime kiln have improved systematically, reflecting both the reliability of Valmet’s equipment and the success of joint operational practices.
Production capacity has increased significantly
Since startup, the mill has gradually tested the limits of its equipment. The original design capacity was around 800 tons per day, and it has now increased to 920 tons.
Alongside the significant capacity increase of nearly 25%, the efficiency of the Twin Roll presses and lime kiln have improved systematically. This reflects both the reliability of Valmet’s equipment and the efficiency of joint operational practices,
Throughout this time, Sun Paper Laos and Valmet have worked together on multiple process improvements to support the overall capacity increase and the mill’s sustainability targets.
“With joint innovation and effort, we have optimized several processes - achieving faster production ramp-up, improved load uniformity in digesters, and better chip feeding system deviation and belt feeding accuracy. In addition, Valmet has provided us with a wood powder fuel system, enabling us to reduce heavy oil use, lower costs, and improve our environmental performance,” Mr. Ding explains.
Spare parts quality and availability drive performance
In addition to specialist support, spare parts quality and availability play a crucial role in successful maintenance and shutdown management.
“For example, if sealing elements wear out, running for fifteen months would be impossible. The quality of spare parts must be top-tier, and we have consistently used Valmet original spare parts, especially on TwinRoll presses and the lime kiln. Besides good-quality parts, Valmet’s deliveries are reliable, and timelines never an issue,” Mr. Ding notes.
Mr. Ding also appreciates Valmet’s responsiveness to customer feedback.
“In the previous shutdown we found that sealing components almost wore out while reaching the twelve-month operating cycle we had at that time. After addressing the issue, Valmet quickly upgraded the material, significantly reducing wear and allowing trouble-free operation for the entire fifteen-month cycle we were pursuing,” he says.
Lifecycle commitment for continuous improvement
At Valmet, lifecycle commitment means standing by the customer throughout the entire lifespan of their production line. It’s a philosophy that combines technology, maintenance, modernization, and continuous improvement into one long term partnership.
"From our perspective, Valmet’s lifecycle commitment is very valuable. Our line is still relatively new, and we don’t have decades of experience. Valmet brings vast experience from mills around the world, helping us understand long-term maintenance requirements and anticipate issues that may occur later. Optimizing the performance of our mill is a joint effort now and in the future," Mr. Ding says.
Overall, we are very satisfied with Valmet expertise and services. Their team in Thailand responds quickly and reaches the site easily when needed. For more advanced technical advice, we feel well supported by Valmet’s experts in China. And every time, it is not just service – Valmet also provides know-how in new technologies and solutions, helping us prepare for future improvements,
Image on the left: Valmet TwinRoll Press, Image on the right: TRP roll Inspection during annual shutdown
