Sappi is carrying out a major upgrade of one of the paper-making machines at its mill in Gratkorn, Austria, where woodfree coated papers are made for commercial print. The work will achieve what is described as ‘extensive modernisation of automation and electrical equipment’.
This exercise, which will see production interrupted on Paper Machine 11 over several week in December 2022 and January 2023, is similar to work carried out in 2019 on Paper Machine 9 (PM9), and involves upgrades to electrical drives, control systems, quality control and inspection systems as well as upgrades to the coating profile and other areas.
There will be some interruption to PM9 to enable reorganisation of internal logistics at the plant. Sappi noted, ‘Given current market conditions of reduced demand and high customer inventories, Sappi Europe does not expect customers’ business to be disrupted during the project period.
‘This investment will improve and consolidate Gratkorn’s position as the leading producer of woodfree coated paper and demonstrates Sappi Europe’s continuing commitment to the commercial print business and belief in the continued important role of print media.’
