Motors & Drives Information

At the Solvay, N.Y., mill, the first new North American containerboard machine in three years is making 100% recycled corrugating medium at high efficiencies with little off-spec product

A new paper machine in North America is an increasingly rare occurrence, but the successful June startup of Solvay Paperboard's new corrugating medium machine serves as an example of what is possible with new technology, automation, and an innovative organizational structure. As high-cost, aging assets are retired in the region, this machine demonstrates a new, forward-looking direction in the North American industry.

Starting up six weeks ahead of schedule, the 200,000-tpy, 100% recycled corrugating medium machine already operates above design production levels at high efficiency with very low off-specification production. It is the first new NorthAmerican containerboard machine since Solvay started up its 250,000-tpy No. 2 linerboard machine in September 1999 (see Pulp & Paper, March 2000) and makes Solvay the tenth-largest containerboard producer in North America.

New tonnage can be a sensitive issue under current market conditions. However, the new medium machine simply represents the fulfillment of a corporate strategy conceived by the partnership that formed Solvay Paperboard, says James B. Porter, president of Solvay.

"We're a box company instead of a paper company, and that's an important distinction," describes Porter. "Solvay was started in 1993 with the goal of supplying high-quality containerboard to its partners-four independent producers of corrugated boxes. The model to be independent and to supply our own containerboard is the driving force behind our machines. It's not to produce a commodity in an attempt to increase market share."

Another feature initially envisioned for Solvay by its partners was adherence to a mini-mill concept at the Solvay, N.Y., site. Producing about 1,800 tpd, the mill would seem to have moved away from that feature, but organizational aspects have preserved the intent. "Our work team culture, the way we work with our suppliers and customers, and the way we utilize automation all ensure that our business works very much within the `mini-mill' concept we began back in 1993," explains Porter.

# posted by Medical Information : 5:29 AM