Pratt Industries orders the third OptiConcept M

Valmet has confirmed it will supply a repeat order of an OptiConcept M board production line for Pratt Industries in Henderson, Kentucky, USA. 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.

“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, 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.

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.

The new machine PM 18 will be larger than PM 16 and PM 17 with a wire width of 8.3m and a design speed of 1,100 m/min. It will produce corrugating medium and linerboard grades with a basis weight range of 112-170 gsm. The daily capacity will be 1,360 metric tons.

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