Laakirchen Papier commissions Voith with the rebuild of PM11

Austrian paper manufacturer Laakirchen Papier AG has commissioned the leading full-line supplier Voith to implement the comprehensive rebuild of PM 11 at its Laakirchen site. The company, which is part of the Heinzel Group, is converting the plant from the production of graphic papers to containerboard. The planned start-up of the rebuilt production line is in the second quarter of 2024, increasing the production volume from 350,000 tons of SC papers to 500,000 tons of containerboard per year. The order was preceded by a preliminary project with Voith that showed the customer the economically viability of the PM 11 rebuild.

“With this investment, we are securing our future competitiveness. Voith convinced us on all points. With highly efficient and sustainable Voith solutions, we can produce low basis weights of 70 grams at high speeds – another milestone in our long-standing and very trusting partnership between Laakirchen and Voith”, says Dr. Thomas Welt, CEO of Laakirchen Papier AG.

Technologically leading solutions for the most efficient paper production

Voith supplies a highly efficient and tailor-made total package to Laakirchen Papier AG. A customer-specific stabilization and drying concept was developed so that high speeds can be produced even at low basis weights. In addition, the customer ordered a very comprehensive engineering package, thus relying on the in-depth know-how of Voith's experts.

“We are very pleased that Laakirchen has chosen us again. The layout of the rebuild, especially the dryer section, enables highly efficient production of containerboard”, says Dr. Thomas Elenz, Sales Manager at Voith Paper.

For future economical and sustainable production of corrugating medium and testliner, Voith is rebuilding the paper machine and two VariTop winders. At the same time, numerous components will be relocated and the web guiding system adapted to the new requirements. Special focus is being placed on optimizing the Tandem NipcoFlex press. To ensure against web breaks, the Voith experts are also adjusting the transition from the press to the dryer section. Furthermore, the technology company will supply a new SpeedSizer for sizing and a new energy-efficient after-dryer section. The necessary changes to the control system, including programming, will be carried out by installing Voith's efficient automation systems.

 

Laakirchen Papier AG, based in Laakirchen (Austria) and a member of the Heinzel Group, specializes in the production and further development of environmentally friendly publication papers and lightweight corrugated base papers based on recycled paper for the European market. Laakirchen Papier generated sales of around 328 million euros in 2021 and employs over 400 people.