Pratt Industries orders the third OptiConcept M board production line from Valmet to the USA: machine designed for more sustainable board making

This will be the third order in a row of the OptiConcept M board production line to Pratt. Previously, Valmet supplied the orders of PM 16 and PM 17, which were successfully started up in 2015 and 2019. The start-up of PM 18 is scheduled for 2023.

The order is included in Valmet's orders received of the third quarter 2021. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The value of an order of this type is typically around EUR 80-90 million.

Valmet’s OptiConcept M board making lines are designed for more sustainable paper and board making; they use less water, electricity and raw materials.

“Our paper mills are 100% recycled, which is important since recycling is an important tool against climate change. The Henderson mill, which will be one of the most technologically advanced in the world, will produce more than 1,500 tons, about 1,360 metric tons, of recycled paper every day, saving the equivalent of over 25,000 trees or two football field of trees every 24 hours,” says Anthony Pratt, Executive Chairman in Pratt Industries.

“We have an excellent relationship with Valmet: these types of projects are based on trust and partnership. The start-ups of the previous Valmet-supplied OptiConcept M machines, PM 16 in Valparaiso, Indiana, and PM 17 in Wapakoneta, Ohio, were exceptional. The mill in Henderson, Kentucky, will be one of the world’s most advanced, environmentally friendly 100% recycled paper mill. All three board machines showcase the latest technology in 21st century paper-making and they nicely support the sustainability aspects of Pratt Industries,” says Ed Kersey, General Manager, Pratt Paper Ohio at Pratt Industries.

Technical details about the delivery

Valmet's scope of delivery will be similar to the Pratt PM 16 and PM 17 with a complete OptiConcept M board production line from an approach flow system and a headbox to a winder with a wide scope of Valmet Industrial Internet solutions, automation and services.

“OptiConcept M has proven to be a success story: the modular way of designing, building and operating paper machines enables short delivery times, quick start-ups and low project costs. PM 18 will be Valmet's fourth OptiConcept M installation in North America, and there are already close to 40 OptiConcept M references globally. We are all proud to continue the work and cooperation with Pratt on this project,” says Michael Gray, Vice President, Capital Business, North America, Valmet.

The new machine PM 18 will be larger than PM 16 and PM 17 with a wire width of 8.3 meters (~325 inches) and a design speed of 1,100 m/min (~3,600 ft/min). It will produce corrugating medium and linerboard grades with a basis weight range of ~112-170 g/m2 (23-35 lbs/1,000 ft2). The daily capacity will be ~1,360 metric tons (~1,500 short t).