Sofidel is to start up two new Valmet Advantage NTT 200 tissue machines in Circleville (Ohio); 70,000 tonnes/yr of capacity
(Porcari, Italy, Oct. 05, 2016) The announcement was made yesterday by Sofidel CEO Luigi Lazzareschi in his speech at the Tissue Seminar during the RISI North American Conference currently under way in San Diego, USA.
Luigi Lazzareschi, CEO of Sofidel Group, announced yesterday during his opening speech at the Tissue Seminar at the RISI North American Conference currently under way in San Diego, USA, that within Q3 2018 Sofidel America – Sofidel’s US subsidiary – will be starting up two new Valmet Advantage NTT 200 tissue technology machines in the plant currently under construction in Circleville (Ohio).
In his speech, the CEO briefly recalled some of the milestones in the history of the Group, and then outlined what are to be the key elements in Sofidel’s growth strategy in the United States.
The Advantage NTT 200 machine produced by Valmet, leading global developer and supplier of technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries, is designed to manufacture both conventional tissue as well as textured paper. The technology will enable Sofidel to increase its production capacity significantly, further to enhance the quality of its product offering and also to improve its energy efficiency further still.
With a 5.5 m size, a speed of 2,000 m/min and a production capacity of 70,000 tons per annum each, the two machines will be operational at two different points in time. The first by Q1 2018. The second within Q3 of the same year.
“With the implementation of the two new Valmet NTT machines, we will increase our production capacity in the United States significantly. This is a necessary and vital step in our growth strategy. This decision is also consistent with Sofidel’s unwavering focus on the most innovative and high-performance technologies” stated Luigi Lazzareschi, CEO of Sofidel Group.
“Our fruitful relationship with Sofidel goes back many years and covers eleven conventional tissue machine installations. We are now excited to continue our journey together and are convinced that the Advantage
NTT technology is the key to the future which will help Sofidel succeed in the premium market segment” added Jan Erikson, VP Sales, Valmet.
Sofidel had started constuction of a tissue factory in Circleville in July this year. The plant will employ about 300 people and is expected to open in 2018.
Sofidel, based in Italy, announced its plan for the plant in November last year after a recruiting effort by state and local officials. (Source: press release)
Pictured Above: Valmet Advantage NTT tissue machine (courtesy Valmet)
