Smurfit Westrock operates a large paper mill in Piteå, northern Sweden, which is Europe’s largest producer of kraftliner. The mill produces more than 700,000 tonnes per year of this high-strength paper for corrugated board, primarily manufactured from fresh wood fibre. In addition, the mill makes an important contribution to the city’s district heating system through energy recovery.
For the modernization of its existing PM2, Smurfit Westrock selected Bellmer as a competent and reliable partner for this forward-looking project. PM2 has a working width of approximately 6,650 mm and operates at speeds of up to 1,300 m/min.
Bellmer’s scope of supply included a TurboCalender equipped with a fully automatic ropeless threading system, enabling sheet transfer from the dryer section through the calender to the pope reel. In addition, Bellmer was responsible for the complete installation, commissioning, and production support.
As early as summer 2025, the joint project team had the opportunity to gain a comprehensive impression of the calender and threading system during factory acceptance tests at Bellmer’s facilities in Willich, Germany. These tests confirmed the excellent functionality of the system. Shortly thereafter, installation at the Piteå mill was carried out according to plan, followed by on-time commissioning and start-up.
