LITTLE FALLS, NY,
Aug. 31, 2010
(Press Release) -
Burrows Paper has begun work on two capital projects at its paper mill in Pickens, MS.
The first undertaking, an extensive rebuild of its #41 paper machine, will include installing a new 15' machine-glazed cylinder and integrated hood custom built by Metso Paper. The MG machine will take an estimated 45 days to be rebuilt. Susstantial foundation and other preperastory work to support the new PM will begin in October. A new winder has already been installed to accommodate the increased speed and output of the PM. The entire rebuild is scheduled for completion before year-end.
The second project, to be implemented concurrently, involves installation of heating and ventilation units with equipment to utilize geothermal energy for heating and cooling the mill. This project will increase the mill's use of renewable energy and reduce its reliance on carbon based energy, resulting in lower production costs and improved profitability.
President and COO Mike Lengvarsky said these projects represent a significant investment for the company.
Both the rebuild paper machine's more efficient use of energy and the utilization of geothermal energy demonstrate the company's commitment to green production practices.
"These projects highlight the innovative and environmentally conscious approach we bring to our work every day," Lengvarsky said. "We believe it's possible to simultaneously enhance our production process and reduce our impact on the environment."
The paper machine upgrade will directly improve the quality and increase the quantity of paper the mill is able to produce.
"The modernization of this paper machine means that we can make paper at faster speeds and reduced cost, make additional grades of paper that we can't make today, and enhance the quality and performance of our paper," Lengvarsky said.
Burrows' Manager of Energy Services, Michael McCormick, said the use of geothermal energy to heat and facility will result in a 4% reduction in the use of natural gas, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 342 tons per year.
The geothermal process extracts heat from water after its use in he production process, as the water is heated to upwards of 100 degrees. Normally, this water would go through a cooling process before it's released back into the environment. With the geothermal process in place, much less cooling is required, and the energy is captured and reused.
"This is a unique project," McCormick explained. "Most geothermal heat is drawn from stream; however, we are extracting heat directly from the well water we use during production."
The geothermal project is funded in part with federal stimulus funds for renewable energy projects issued through the Mississippi Development Authority.
Burrows Paper is a worldwide supplier of paper and packaging solutions. The company incorporates nearly 100 years of papermaking experience into its food packaging line of products and specialized in innovative applications of lightweight paper. Built on the core values of quality and customer service, Burrows was founded in 1919 and continues to grow as a family-owned company with an active third-generation owner. The company is headquartered in Little Falls, New York, with additional locations in Ohio, Nevada, Iowa, Mississippi, The Netherlands, and China.
