Valmet’s Advantage ViscoNip technology to upgrade five Lee & Man tissue machines in China
Valmet has been selected to replace five existing shoe presses with its Advantage ViscoNip press technology on tissue machines operated by Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd. in China. The rebuilds will be carried out at the company’s mills located in Chongqing, Jiangxi and Guangdong.
The upgrade decision was driven by the high pressing performance and operational reliability of Valmet’s solution, which supports increased machine efficiency while reducing maintenance requirements. Lee & Man’s previous experience with nine Advantage DCT tissue machines supplied by Valmet, all equipped with ViscoNip technology, played a key role in the selection.
“Lee & Man has chosen the ViscoNip technology based on first-hand experience from earlier machines. A main trigger for the replacement has been the uniformity created by the ViscoNip press, which ensures excellent moisture profiles, high runnability, and high-quality tissue paper, together with excellent belt lifetime,” says Harry Ng, Project Manager at Lee & Man.
“The order marks a significant step for Valmet’s tissue technology in China. With over 100 ViscoNip presses operating globally, this technology has set a new industry benchmark. The technology delivers significant opportunities for energy savings and enables manufacturers to differentiate their tissue products thanks to the innovative, soft pressing element combined with the ability to adjust press load during operation,” says Kai Zhang, Senior Sales Manager, Tissue Business Area, Valmet China.
All five press upgrades are expected to be operational during 2026, further reinforcing Lee & Man’s position as a leading tissue producer in the region. The delivery comprises upgrade packages and related services for five Advantage ViscoNip presses, replacing the existing shoe presses on tissue machines TM 3, TM 9, TM 10, TM 11 and TM 12.
About Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd
Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd was founded in 1994 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2003. The group is among the world’s leading papermaking companies, integrating papermaking and packaging activities. Its product portfolio includes containerboard, coated duplex board and household tissue products. Lee & Man operates more than ten production bases in China, along with facilities in Vietnam, Malaysia and other countries, supported by offices in Hong Kong, Macau, Europe and the United States. Annual production capacity exceeds 9 million tonnes, including approximately 1.3 million tonnes of tissue paper. The company maintains a strong focus on sustainability, environmental protection and international quality and environmental certifications.
