PaperAge Magazine

Valmet and Whakatane Mill Renew Performance Agreement in New Zealand

Valmet and Whakatane Mill (left to right) Pierre de Villiers (Valmet), with Juha Verajankorva and Mark Hammond (Whakatane Mill).

Nov. 7, 2019 - Valmet and Whakatane Mill Ltd have signed a multiyear agreement for continuous performance service for Whakatane PM3 board line in New Zealand.

The value of the agreement will not be disclosed.

The original performance agreement was signed in 2014 and was later extended for another three-year period. This renewal is the second extension with continuous and systematic development of Whakatane PM3's productivity and quality with concrete targets regarding availability and optimization.

“It is a pleasure to continue to work with the experienced and engaged team of Whakatane Mill,” said Pierre de Villiers, Mill Sales Manager, Australia and New Zealand, Valmet. “We have been working very closely together to explore the machine potential and deliver the results. For example, the machine availability has been improved by reducing the unplanned breakdowns, and the runnability and formation have been optimized via multi-variability control.”

Valmet noted that a new feature in the renewed agreement is the utilization of Valmet Customer Portal, a digital collaboration space for real-time information sharing between customer and Valmet. The portal will be customized based on Whakatane's requirements, and will enable both parties an easy and quick access to the visualized data.

About Whakatane Mill Limited

Whakatane Mill, owned by SIG Corporation since 2010, has one board machine and an integrated stoneground wood pulp mill. The mill produces 140,000 tonnes of liquid packaging board and folding boxboard annually.

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. To learn more, visit: www.valmet.com

SOURCE: Valmet