Celbi pulp mill expansion in Portugal includes new metsoDNA system

HELSINKI, February 29, 2008 (Press Release) - Metso Automation will supply Celulose Beira Industrial (Celbi) S.A. with a comprehensive metsoDNA CR process automation system for the modernized recovery line and kraft fiberline.

The delivery also includes automation for EDP Produção - Bioeléctrica, S.A.'s biomass-fired power boiler and backpressure turbine at the mill site. Automation for the new recovery boiler and new biomass boiler will have integrated HIMA boiler safety systems. Both boilers will be supplied by Metso Power as announced earlier in June 2007. The automation order is included in Metso Automation's 2007 order backlog.

On the bleached eucalyptus fiberline an older Metso DCS will be replaced for continuous cooking, washing, screening, O2 delignification and bleaching. The order also includes a pulp drying machine automation completed with a PaperIQ Plus quality control system.

The delivery is part of Celbi's pulp mill expansion project to increase the pulp production capacity from 305,000 to 550,000 tons per year. Start-up for the fiberline automation is scheduled for September 2008 with the recovery and energy island to come on line during the first quarter of 2009. Metso Automation's presence in Portugal is strengthened by its representative Optieng Lda providing local support close to the customer.

The Celbi Pulp Mill in Portugal produces high quality short-fiber eucalyptus pulp, suitable for the production of printing, writing and specialty papers, and tissue. The mill obtains half of its fiber raw material from its own plantations. EDP Produção - Bioeléctrica, S.A. is a joint venture of EDP, a Portuguese electricity company, and the Altri Group, owner of Celulose Beira Industrial (Celbi) S.A.

Metso Automation specializes in automation and information management application networks and systems, field control technology and life cycle performance services. Its main customers are power, energy, and oil and gas industries as well as the pulp and paper industry.