Successful start-up of Sun Paper's first Paper Machine outside of China

On December 11, 2020 Voith’s long-term customer Sun Paper has started up its first paper machine outside of China. The XcelLine packaging machine PM 1 has been successfully started operation in Laos, showing the steady implementation of Sun Paper’s “Forestry-pulp-paper integration” project. The PM 1 marks the start of the customer’s expansion into South East Asia. Despite the challenging conditions exerted by COVID-19 in Laos, the packaging machine started up 17 days ahead of schedule, and has set up a new record from I/O check to first jumbo roll.

“During project execution, Sun Paper and Voith cooperated very closely to tackle all challenges. When Laos was under lockdown, we have been steadily carrying out the project implementation while taking necessary prevention measures. We are very proud that PM 1 started up ahead of schedule with joint efforts from both parties,” says Aiming Zhang, Laos Project Director from Sun Paper.

The performance and fast start-up of the machine showcased once again the state-of-the-art technology of Voith XcelLine paper machines. It is the 11th Voith line operating at Sun Paper, while being the 5th packaging line for Sun Paper. With a width of 6.6 meters and a designed speed of 1,200 m/min, the PM 1 will produce packaging paper with a basis weight of 140 to 250 g/m2 and an annual production capacity of 520,000 tons. With its expertise, knowledge, and global footprint, Voith will support Sun Paper with their global expansion.