Gratkorn, Austria – Sappi, a leading global producer of dissolving wood pulp, speciality and packaging papers, graphic (printing and writing) paper and biomaterials is investing in its mill in Gratkorn.

After finishing the upgrade of paper machine 11 in November 2014, PM 9 will be upgraded in 2019 to the current state of the art. The aim of the project is, in addition to the exchange of technical components, to operate the papermaking process with a reduced energy demand and thus to sustainably reduce the environmental impact. Another effect of the upgrade is the optimisation of raw materials to reduce production costs. The project has a total investment of approximately € 30 million and is scheduled to be realised in the first half of 2019. The project will be carried out in cooperation with Valmet, who also carried out the upgrade of PM 11.

Max Oberhumer, Mill Director of Sappi Gratkorn is pleased about the approval of this project: “In addition to the renewal of important components on the paper machine, the significant improvement in energy efficiency is another milestone in our efforts to achieve sustainable business.”

Steffen Wurdinger, VP Manufacturing, R&D and Technology of Sappi Europe points out the importance of the project: “The approved investment consolidates Sappi Europe's position in this product segment. The reliability of the product quality as well as the machine’s competitiveness will be strengthened through this project.”