Holmen's Iggesund Paperboard implements ToolsGroup supply chain planning software

BOSTON, MA and STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 25, 2012 (Market Wire) - ToolsGroup, announced today that Iggesund Paperboard, Holmen AB, has begun implementing a new way of achieving its market needs for reliable and stable lead-times and supply chain efficiency using software from ToolsGroup and its partner, Optilon AB.

Holmen Group manufactures a range of paper types including newsprint, directory, book and coated paper. The Iggesund Paperboard business unit is Europe's leading manufacturer of high-quality virgin fiber paperboard for use in the packaging and graphics sectors.

Iggesund Paperboard is implementing a holistic planning approach to meet this challenge that includes new software for demand planning as well as for production, inventory and master planning. The goal is to align planning strategies and rules at multiple levels, from strategic to operational. ToolsGroup's SO99+ supply chain planning software provides the improved logic, integration and more automated approach needed to accomplish multi-level supply chain planning.

ToolsGroup's partner in Scandinavia, Optilon, was chosen by Holmen to support the software and provide consulting services for the project. Optilon and Holmen have already been working together in strategic planning and supply chain design. "It is great to get the opportunity to continue our work with Holmen since we already know that they are very skilled at planning and optimization," said Optilon CEO Richard Barkevall. "We look forward to creating a holistic approach to Holmen's planning."

"Due to its inherent complexity, we have seen a growing trend of paper companies investing in supply chain planning technology," said ToolsGroup CEO Joseph Shamir. "We have been fortunate to help many companies achieve significant operational gains in this industry."