ANDRITZ hands over the world’s biggest single line pulp mill to UPM

ANDRITZ supplied energy-efficient and environmentally leading technology for UPM’s largest investment to date. With a capacity to produce 2.1 million tons of eucalyptus pulp per year, the mill is the biggest in Uruguay and the world’s biggest single line mill in operation. It will also contribute around 1 TWh of surplus green electricity per year to the Uruguayan power supply.

“Our new world class mill boosts our pulp production capacity by over 50%. It represents the latest and best available technology that ensures highest performance at minimal environmental impact and optimized maintenance,” said Aki Temmes, EVP, UPM Fibres Business Area. “Our collaboration with ANDRITZ throughout the project was excellent.”

UPM will use the pulp from the Paso de los Toros mill to meet the rising demand of existing customers, particularly in China, but also to target new markets. Having successfully established itself as a reliable pulp supplier in the Asia-Pacific region and in Europe during the last decade, UPM is now using this experience, as well as the increased capacity, to develop the North American market.

ANDRITZ supplied the complete mill, with core equipment manufactured at ANDRITZ’s production facilities in Finland, Sweden, Austria and China. The scope of supply included a wood processing plant, a fiberline, a pulp drying system, an evaporation plant, a white liquor plant, a HERB recovery boiler to maximize steam production for power generation, a biomass power plant, a biosludge drying system and all the process pumps for the mill. UPM also concluded a maintenance contract with ANDRITZ for the entire mill process areas.

The exceptional project management is emphasized by the fact that despite the challenging restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the project has experienced only minor delays.

“We are very happy that UPM entrusted us with this milestone project and look forward to continuing our support in maintaining the mill. Our goal is to assist customers in maximizing the performance of their plants throughout the entire life cycle,” said Joachim Schönbeck, CEO of ANDRITZ.

UPM today operates two eucalyptus pulp mills in Uruguay. The mill in Fray Bentos, which started operations in 2007, was also supplied by ANDRITZ. With the Paso de los Toros project, ANDRITZ solidifies its leading position as a supplier of complete pulp mills. In addition to the pulp mill, UPM’s overall investment included a deep-sea port terminal, a new eucalyptus tree nursery and investments in the local facilities.

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ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. Sustainability is an integral part of the company’s business strategy and corporate culture. With its extensive portfolio of sustainable products and solutions, ANDRITZ aims to make the greatest possible contribution to a sustainable future and help its customers achieve their sustainability goals. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydropower and Environment & Energy. Technological leadership and global presence are cornerstones of the group’s strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 30,000 employees and over 280 locations in more than 80 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER
ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation.

The product portfolio also includes boilers for power generation, various nonwoven technologies, and panelboard (MDF) production systems. With waste-to-value recycling, shredding and energy solutions, waste and by-product streams from production are converted into valuable secondary raw materials as well as into sustainable resources for energy generation. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.