Metso-supplied world's largest fine paper line starts up at Portucel Soporcel mill in Portugal

HELSINKI, Oct. 20, 2009 (Press Release) - A Metso-supplied fine paper production line of the Portucel Soporcel group was successfully started up at the group's Setúbal mill in Portugal on August 15, 2009. The 11.1-m-wide (wire) PM 4 will produce close to 500,000 tonnes of uncoated fine papers annually.

Metso's delivery included a complete OptiConcept paper machine line from headbox to roll handling, with related air systems and some stock preparation equipment. Metso also supplied an extensive automation package, including a quality control system with web-wide non-scanning moisture measurement, wet end analyzers, machine controls as well as a runnability and condition monitoring system.

The new Setúbal PM 4 is the largest and most sophisticated paper machine in the world for the production of uncoated fine papers.

The Portucel Soporcel group, with a net sales of approximately Euro 1.1 billion, has three mills producing pulp and paper, situated at Setúbal, Figueira da Foz and Cacia. The Setúbal mill houses four uncoated woodfree paper machines with a total capacity of 780,000 t/a and a 510,000 t/a bleached eucalyptus pulp mill. The new PM 4 boosts Portucel's total uncoated fine paper capacity to over 1.5 million t/a.