SCA commissions fully automatic packaging line at Ortviken paper mill

SUNDSVALL, Sweden, Oct. 5, 2010 (Press Release) - A new, fully automatic packaging line has been commissioned at the Ortviken's paper mill. The SEK 48 m investment will eliminate a bottleneck and ensure that higher productivity in the paper machines can be packaged, while simultaneously reducing staffing.

The new packaging line will replace two semi-automatic lines that required high maintenance. One of these will remain but the aim is to use it as little as possible.

"Paper production increases every year. With this SEK 48 m investment, we have removed an earlier bottleneck in paper-roll packaging as capacity is increased from 160 to 180 per hour," says Katarina Kolar, Production Manager at the paper mill at SCA Ortviken.

The new, fully automatic packaging line will reduce staffing by one person per shift or a total of five individuals.

"Along with other projects, this investment is part of our previously announced programme to reduce the staff of the Ortviken paper mill", says Katarina Kolar. Over a two-year period the number of employees will decrease by 90".

The new packaging line was delivered by Metso. During the 12-month rebuilding period, production will continue as usual. In addition to Ortviken's own staff, about 70 people will be involved in assembly and installation during the rebuilding.

"When the packaging line has been aligned, we will continue with the next project, to mechanise our loading. That investment will also be SEK 48 m and the new loading system is expected to be in operation by next autumn," says Katarina Kolar.