Italy-based Toscotec, a leading-edge technology and customized solutions provider to paper producers around the world, will supply a forming section rebuild of PM2 to Kuwait’s Gulf Paper Manufacturing Company at their Mina Abdullah paper mill.
Scheduled for rebuild by the end of 2023, PM2 machine produces tissue from 100% virgin fibres. This is a repeat order for Toscotec, which successfully delivered a major dryer section rebuild of Gulf Paper’s packaging paper machine (PM1) in 2019.
The latest project aims to improve PM2’s paper formation and cross-direction (CD) basis-weight control through an approach flow system upgrade and installation of a state-of-the-art TT headbox. The new headbox will be designed to match the high quality requirements for facial tissue in the Middle East market.
Ghaleb Al Hadhrami, Projects & Development Manager at Gulf Paper Manufacturing Co., says, “With Toscotec’s rebuild of our packaging paper machine in 2019, we achieved a substantial production increase, reduced sheet breaks by over 80%, and improved paper quality, especially in the moisture profile and hand feel. We are confident that Toscotec will deliver on this new upgrade of our tissue machine as successfully as they did previously. This new headbox and approach flow system are also fit for a future rebuild into crescent former configuration.”
Fabio Bargiachhi, Sales Manager at Toscotec, adds, “A rebuild is always a challenge, as it requires strong engineering skills, experience, and flexibility. We are delighted that our tailor made solution was selected for this project. Our technology will support Gulf Paper to improve product quality and strengthen their tissue business. Toscotec consolidates its position in the Middle East, which includes four projects for super-soft facial tissue production awarded over the last two years.”
Established in 1978, Gulf Paper Manufacturing Company operates three production lines at its Mina Abdullah facility for producing packaging grades using 100% recycled paper and tissue from 100% virgin pulp. The third is a tissue converting line. 70% of its packaging grades are exported to GCC countries, while the domestic market accounts for approximately 30% of its business.
