Bellmer supplied banknote PM starts up at Papierfabrik Louisenthal paper mill in Germany

MUNICH, Nov. 19, 2009 (Press Release) - Only 19 months after construction work started at the Papierfabrik Louisenthal paper mill in Königstein, the new cylinder mold machine officially went online today, precisely on schedule. The workforce turned out to celebrate the event together with 130 invited guests. The inauguration of the new plant marks the completion of one of the currently largest industrial investment projects in Saxony. Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) has invested around 70 million euros in the environmentally compatible expansion of its production capacity. The Saxon site's future output of paper will be enough to produce 11 billion banknotes annually. Specialty paper from the facility in the Biela valley already serves as the basis for making banknotes and identity documents in around 100 countries around the world. The extension to the plant creates over 60 new jobs, along with more than 10 apprenticeship places.

"By making this investment, Giesecke & Devrient is writing a new chapter in its successful company history and at the same time demonstrating its commitment to the long-term future of the Königstein site. Security paper made in Saxony is held in high regard by central banks and printers in more than 100 countries worldwide," commented Walter Schlebusch, member of the G&D Management Board, during the inauguration ceremony.

This morning, employees and guests of honor gathered together at the site to celebrate the inauguration of the new plant. Production was officially started by State Secretary Hartmut Fiedler and G&D's owner Verena von Mitschke-Collande.

The number of banknotes in circulation around the world is constantly growing, and with it the demand for high-grade banknote paper. The increased production capacity in the Biela valley will enable G&D to continue to meet this demand. With the new cylinder mold machine in operation, the fastest and most up-to-date machine of this type in the world, the company will be able to make further gains in productivity and flexibility. The paper produced here, combined with advanced security features from the paper and foil production plant in Louisenthal, near Tegernsee, opens the way for the technology company to systematically pursue its long-term growth strategy and increase its presence in the export markets.

The new plant in Königstein is proof that industrial efficiency doesn't necessarily mean casting aside environmental concerns. Despite an over 55-percent increase in capacity, its water consumption hasn't increased at all. The new bio-membrane filter system works so efficiently that the needs of the higher production output can be met with the same quantity of water as before.