Dnepropetrovsk moves forward with tissue PM in the Ukraine

BRUSSELS, May 16, 2008 (RISI) - Dnepropetrovsk Paper Mill has started trial runs on a second-hand tissue machine at its plant in Dnepropetrovsk, the Ukraine.

The 24,000 tonne/yr machine, PM 5, was acquired from the Patras municipal authorities in Greece in 2003. It has a reel width of 3.2 m and will use 100% recovered paper as furnish. The firm is also installing a deinking line to supply fiber for the machine. Dnepropetrovsk Paper Mill is new to the tissue market. The firm will train its personnel to operate the machine during June. The PM's commercial startup is scheduled for July.

Dnepropetrovsk Paper Mill is also mulling over ordering a tissue converting line from the Italian equipment producer Fabio Perini. "In the Ukraine, it is economically sound to sell converted tissue rather than tissue base. Therefore, we will produce toilet paper, kitchen towels and napkins at the site," a spokesman commented.

The plant houses another two machines, PMs 1 and 2, which churn out around 30,000 tonnes/yr of paper and board in total.