Toscotec delivers major rebuild for Sofidel
Toscotec announced the successful start-up of the PM1 tissue line at Sofidel’s Roanne mill in France, following an extensive rebuild of the tissue machine. The modernization project was carried out with the primary objective of enhancing energy efficiency, fully aligned with Sofidel’s long-term decarbonization and sustainability strategy.
Alessandro Mennucci, Toscotec’s Chief Executive Officer, stated: “We are proud to partner with Sofidel again: this project follows the supply of two turnkey plants of 75,000 tons each in 2020 in Oklahoma – USA.”
Davide Mainardi, Sofidel’s Chief Technical Officer, commented: “Operations unfolded as intended. The revamping is aimed at improving production efficiency and reducing the plant’s environmental footprint, with an estimated annual reduction of approximately 1,200 tons of CO₂ emissions.”
The major rebuild introduced new sections throughout the tissue machine. In the dry end, Toscotec installed a new TT SYD Steel Yankee Dryer alongside the advanced TT NextPress shoe press. This configuration maximizes dewatering, increases post-press dryness, and preserves paper bulk, thereby improving final product quality while lowering energy consumption.
The dry section upgrade also includes new hoods, a redesigned steam and condensate system, and a renewed air system featuring the TT Swing System, which automatically adjusts operational parameters to run with one or two burners depending on production needs, ensuring optimal energy use and flexibility.
As part of the modernization, Toscotec supplied a new TT Headbox designed to operate with the existing twin-wire configuration. This component plays a central role in enhancing fiber distribution, softness, and overall product characteristics. The reel section has been replaced with the hydraulic pope reel TT Reel L, essential for maintaining and improving product quality. The machine is also equipped with the new TT Brain Distributed Control System (DCS), Toscotec’s advanced automation platform that boosts performance through improved diagnostics, process optimization, and complete integration with mill operations.
The successful completion of this project strengthens the long-standing collaboration between Toscotec and Sofidel, reaffirming Toscotec’s commitment to providing high-performance, reliable, and sustainable solutions for tissue production.
About Sofidel Group
The Sofidel Group, headquartered in Porcari (Lucca, Italy), is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of paper for hygienic and household use. Founded in 1966, the Group operates in 13 countries – 12 in Europe and the United States (12 States) – employing roughly 9,500 people and reaching an annual production capacity of 1,983,000 metric tons. In 2024, Sofidel reported Net Sales of 3.225 billion euros.
