PMP successfully starts green field tissue mill for Universal Paper Manufacturers

In 2014 UPM made a decision regarding a significant expansion plan to shift its family-owned business to the next level by creating a green field tissue mill. Universal Paper’s biggest goal has been to become the preferred tissue supplier in the Southern Africa region, offering a wide span of ultra-premium, 100% virgin fibre tissue paper products. Its mission is to develop innovative products for the most demanding consumers adding flavors of creativity and education. Universal Paper branded products (FSC-certified) have already gained a significant number of enthusiasts who are fascinated with their uniqueness on a worldwide scale.  Universal Paper is the proud manufacturer of Dinu, one of South Africa’s leading household tissue brands.

The project was named “Gold Eagle”. Its goals were to double the annual capacity of UPM and to widen its product portfolio adding ultra-premium tissue products. PMP’s Intelli-Tissue® Advanced 1600 Crescent Former tissue making line was the best response for UPM’s defined needs.

PMP’s scope of delivery covered: collaboration with the building design engineers, a tissue making line (starting from stock preparation, a broke line, stock approach, baseplates, a tissue machine itself and a shaft puller), all auxiliary systems (a lubrication system, a steam & condensate system, a dust removal system, DCS, QCS, mechanical drives), field installations (pre-piping and pre-conduit) as well as a rich scope of engineering services (pre-erection, erection and start-up supervision). UPM’s Intelli-Tissue® Advanced 1600 has a total capacity of 28 000 tpa (operating speed 1600 m/min, reel trim 2670 mm), depending on the tissue grade (basis weight at reel from 13 to 40 gsm). An applied technology (PMP Intelli-Jet V® single layer hydraulic headbox, a Crescent Former Intelli-Former®, Intelli-Press® with a single press configuration, equipped with a 16’ steel Yankee Dryer – Intelli-YD® a steam heated hood and PMP Intelli-Reel® is focused to ensure the best quality of the final product – softness at a premium level and excellent hand feel to open the door to new market niches. In addition applied state-of-the art PMP Intelli-Tissue technology ensures ultra-low media consumption. Thanks to a unique partnership, TM#5 today has a bright future, ensuring high flexibility and world-class performance.

It is worth mentioning that the “Gold Eagle” project was implemented based on a philosophy of Premium Quality & Reliability. The investment has been the biggest in UPM’s entire history taking its value and scope into account. Also it is the 1st new high speed tissue line installed in South Africa within last 20.

After a successful and smooth start-up, both companies are ready to say that “Gold Eagle” has spread its wings empowering the future of UPM and bringing all involved pride and satisfaction.