Polpak Karton starts up PM in Poland

By Jessica Zimbalatti, Associate Editor, PPI Europe, RISI

BRUSSELS, April 3, 2008 (RISI) - Polpak Karton has started up a paper machine at its box converting plant in Poldeno, Poland.

Test runs on the testliner and fluting PM began on March 31, and the company expects to begin regular production this month.

The startup follows a Euro 20 million ($30 million) revamp of the 2.8 m wide second hand Allimand paper machine, which was acquired from an unnamed Polish seller toward the end of 2006. It was previously used for producing book paper.

The PMP Group carried out the rebuild, which included an overhaul of the PM’s wire, dryer section and headbox.

The machine’s new capacity should reach about 80,000 tonnes/yr of testliner and fluting, at a speed of 600 m/min. A Polpak spokesman said its output will mostly be used for the company’s own box making needs, but might also be sold on the open market.

The firm hopes to further increase the machine’s capacity to 120,000 tonnes/yr and its speed to 800 m/min in 2009 or 2010. This project is still in the planning stage.

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