Espoo, Finland – Valmet will supply a linerboard production line with a wide automation package for WestRock Company at its mill in Florence, South Carolina, United States. The delivery will include a state-of-the-art kraft linerboard machine to replace three older, narrow-width paper machines.

The company anticipates the new machine will produce 644,000 metric tons (710,000 short t) of kraft linerboard annually. The investment will significantly increase the mill's efficiency, end-product quality and service levels. When coupled with the recently completed modern woodyard, the Florence mill will become one of the lowest cost kraft linerboard mills in North America. Start-up of the new machine is scheduled for the first half of 2020.

The order is included in Valmet's first quarter of 2018 orders received. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2017 were approximately EUR 3.2 billion. Our more than 12,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.