Smurfit Kappa, a leader in the paper and corrugated cardboard sector, remains committed to the European market with new investments in its most strategic areas. The latest investment has been made in its paper and cardboard mill in Hoya, located in northwest Germany, which will increase the production output by 70 kt to 450 kt per year. This major investment is a reflection of the company's significant growth in this country and its commitment to further strengthening its leadership in Europe.
With its strong positioning, Smurfit Kappa aims to continue offering multiple competitive advantages to its national, multinational and pan-European customers, who rely on it to always deliver the same standards, regardless of the location.
Thanks to this investment, the company will replace the whole pressing section of the PM2 paper machine with state-of-the-art technology, which will improve the overall efficiency of its manufacturing process and increase its production speed to 1250 m/min. Furthermore, this entails a reduction in its CO₂ emissions of 5,000 tons per year.
The PM2 is a 7.5-meter wide paper machine that produces paper for both testliner and fluting packaging. Once refurbished, this world-class machine will further improve the industrial efficiency of Smurfit Kappa Group's containerboard system. It is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2023.
Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe, said that: "This investment is part of the important final phase of an ongoing investment program at our Hoya mill, which started more than a decade ago and demonstrates Smurfit Kappa's firm commitment to the development of advanced technology and our operations in Germany."
Andreas Noss, managing director of Smurfit Kappa's Hoya mill, said: "This investment will make the PM2 a lightweight, state-of-the-art paper machine that will allow us to meet the changing needs of our customers. It will also increase its production speed and produce lightweight paper in the most efficient and sustainable way possible."
Hoya's mill in Germany has been in operation for more than 50 years and is the region's largest employer, employing more than 300 people at the mill. This refurbishment is part of the latest phase of an investment program that the company launched in 2011.
For more information:
Smurfit Kappa
www.smurfitkappa.com