Metso will supply Blue Paper with a grade conversion rebuild of its paper machine at its mill site in Strasbourg, France. The target is to produce packaging materials on a paper machine that previously produced light weight coated (LWC) paper, a grade that is suffering from a decline in demand. The startup of the rebuilt machine is scheduled for the last quarter of 2013.

Metso’s delivery will comprise headbox and forming area modernizations and modernization of the press, dryer and sizing sections and reel. Metso will also modify air systems and automation systems.

The original paper machine has a trimmed width of ~27.8' (8.5 m) and it produced LWC paper at a speed of ~4,900 ft/min (1,500 m/min). After the grade conversion rebuild, the paper machine will have a high annual capacity of fluting and testliner grades in the basis weight range of ~2 to 4 oz/yd² (70 to 130 g/m²).

“This delivery is an example of much called-for innovative approach to the structural change the paper industry is facing. By retrofitting the existing printing paper machine with a few new key components, Metso is able to provide the customer and the Strasbourg papermaking community with a solution that enables continuation of industrial operations on-site,” says Markus Laitila, vice president of the paper mills business unit, Metso.

The main part of the order is included in Metso’s Pulp, Paper and Power fourth quarter 2012 orders received. The automation system modification is included in Automation’s fourth quarter 2012 orders received.