Russian Ilim Group announced that on March 3 in Koryazhma, Arkhangelsk oblast, Russia, the company started up a new paper machine that was installed as a part of its "Big Koryazhma" investment project.
The new machine will produce more than 150,000 tons per year of office paper for the Russian market, Ilim said.
Ilim noted that during the coming weeks, its own specialists, with support by experts from International Paper (Ilim's JV partner) and representatives of equipment suppliers, will be working together to bring the machine up to full production and product quality specifications.
According to Ilim, Big Koryazhma is a $270 million investment project involving construction of the new paper machine, installation of an off-machine coater, installation of cut-size and folio sheeters, construction of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) plant and implementation of infrastructure projects.
Construction of the new paper machine in Koryazhma started in summer of 2011.
In summer of 2013, the company will start producing 70,000 tons of coated paper per year to make Ilim Group Russia's first and only manufacturer of this product. The project was approved by Ilim Group's Board of Directors on June 30, 2010. The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation has given this project priority status.
