Ahlstrom Completes Paper Machine Conversion at Thilmany Mill, Adding Creped Base Paper Capacity

The converted paper machine, with 30,000 tons per year of production capapcity, now produces stretchable creped base papers for masking tape.

March 28, 2024 - Ahlstrom announced that it has completed a paper machine conversion project at its Thilmany Mill in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. The machine now produces stretchable creped base papers for masking tape.

The converted machine, which is ramping up production, adds 30,000 tons per year of crepe paper production capacity for the mill.

"This investment is a response to our customers' increased volume demand and their need to move towards a more regional material supply," said Sohrab Kazemahvazi, Vice President for Ahlstrom's Tape business. "With the investment, we can better focus our assets in Asia and Europe to supply their nearby markets, and we will now enhance our capability to supply the markets in the Americas through this new investment."

According to Ahlstrom, the newly converted crepe machine is unique because it enables the use of integrated pulp from the pulp mill at the site, generating both sustainability advantages, including reduced emissions from lower energy consumption and less transportation, and cost benefits for customers.

The Thilmany Mill manufactures specialty paper products including food packaging, e-commerce packaging, building and construction papers and medical papers.

SOURCE: Ahlstrom and industry reports