CANADA NorskeCanada has ordered a rebuild of PM 2's press section at its Elk Falls mill in BC. Sandusky Walmsley has won the contract, which includes closing the sheet draw between the presses, optimizing the third press roll geometry, improving tail threading and reducing sheet breaks. The project also covers a new Baby Dryer, as well as suction roll and paper rolls, all with mountings/additional press framing. Delivery of the equipment is due in April 2002.

CANADA Wrapmation has installed a TRAQ Manager Roll Tracking System at Alberta Newsprint Company. The system manages the producer's production planning, production, inventory and shipping operations. As a result of the investment, Alberta Newsprint can now automatically prepare shipping documents and collect data from various mill systems.

GERMANY DALiM Software has launched a new look website, which presents information on its products, support, services and international sales network. The site, www.dalim.com, offers access to pre-sales technical consultations for production workflows and systems analysis, as well as systems and solutions recommendations. Details are provided on installation, integration, training, project consultancy visits and technical telephone-based support.

FINLAND Jaakko PÖyry Consulting has sold 75% of a 90% stake in its subsidiary, JP Development, to the Helsinki Consulting Group. Following the deal, Jaakko PÖyry Consulting will continue to hold 15% of the company's shares. JP Development will become a subsidiary of the Helsinki Consulting Group.

FINLAND ABS has acquired the Finnish company, Nopon, a manufacturer of aeration products for biological wastewater treatment. Nopon has a turnover of around SEK 120 million/yr ($11 million) and employs 65 people.

Stora Enso takes an interest in ovenable packaging

FINLAND Stora Enso has seen a strong increase in demand for ovenable board in Europe. As a result, the company is producing lightweight ovenable boards, which it says are ideal as packaging for semi-cooked and frozen bakery products. The manufacturer says that a reduction in grammage, machine development and digital printing have made it possible to print smaller batches of personalized trays.

KOREA Hansol Patech is upgrading PM 1's stock approach system at its Chunan mill in Korea by installing a new POM Compact Wet End System. The investment is aimed at raising the machine's production efficiency by reducing the time required for grade changes, as well as improving the system's cleanliness. PM 1 at Chunan produces 20,000 tonnes/yr of colored technical specialty papers.

UK The European Paper Alliance (EPA), the network of independent paper mill agents, has appointed two new members - Meeus & Co which covers Benelux and Secopa of Spain. Existing members include Barki Agency in France, HDR in Italy, Optenhoegel of Germany and Frank Crossley in the UK. With sales of around 400,000 tonnes/yr, EPA says its members offer in-depth knowledge to any mill wishing to supply the main European markets.

US Kadant Black Clawson is introducing K-TEK as the new trademark name for its complete line of screen cylinder technology. To advance the cylinders' quality, the company says its technology center in Theodore, Ala, has undergone recent capital improvements to heighten the unit's manufacturing quality, capabilities and capacity.