Valmet to Supply Pratt Industries with New Recycled Containerboard Machine in Henderson, Kentucky

Pratt's new containerboard machine (PM 18) will produce corrugating medium and linerboard grades with a basis weight range of approx. 112-170 g/m2. The daily capacity will be about 1,360 metric tons.

Oct. 19, 2021 - Valmet will supply an OptiConcept M board production line for Pratt Industries new paper mill that will be built in Henderson, Kentucky (USA). The new machine (PM 18) will use 100% recycled paper products to produce lightweight, high-strength containerboard and corrugated board grades.

The value of the order will not be disclosed, but Valmet said the value of an order of this type is typically around EUR 80-90 million.

This will be the third consecutive order of the OptiConcept M board production line to Pratt. Previously, Valmet supplied the orders of PM 16 and PM 17, which were successfully started up in 2015 and 2019.

Valmet's OptiConcept M board making lines are designed for more sustainable paper and board making — they use less water, electricity and raw materials.

"We have an excellent relationship with Valmet — these types of projects are based on trust and partnership," said Ed Kersey, General Manager, Pratt Paper Ohio at Pratt Industries. "The start-ups of the previous Valmet-supplied OptiConcept M machines, PM 16 in Valparaiso, Indiana, and PM 17 in Wapakoneta, Ohio, were exceptional. The mill in Henderson, Kentucky, will be one of the world's most advanced, environmentally friendly 100% recycled paper mill. All three board machines showcase the latest technology in 21st century paper-making and they nicely support the sustainability aspects of Pratt Industries."

Valmet's scope of delivery will be similar to the Pratt PM 16 and PM 17 with a complete OptiConcept M board production line from an approach flow system and a headbox to a winder with a wide scope of Valmet Industrial Internet solutions, automation and services.

Mike Gray, Vice President, Capital Business, North America, Valmet, added, "OptiConcept M has proven to be a success story: the modular way of designing, building and operating paper machines enables short delivery times, quick start-ups and low project costs. PM 18 will be Valmet's fourth OptiConcept M installation in North America, and there are already close to 40 OptiConcept M references globally. We are all proud to continue the work and cooperation with Pratt on this project."

Vamet noted that PM 18 will be larger than PM 16 and PM 17 with a wire width of 8.3 meters and a design speed of 1,100 m/min. It will produce corrugating medium and linerboard grades with a basis weight range of approx. 112-170 g/m2. The daily capacity will be about 1,360 metric tons (1,500 short tons).

Start-up of PM 18 is scheduled for 2023.

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. The company's technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. To learn more, visit: www.valmet.com.

SOURCE: Valmet

Go to a related story on PaperAge.com: Pratt to Build New $400 Million Recycled Containerboard Mill in Kentucky - July 29, 2021.