The investment comprised the speed-up of the PM6 paper machine, the construction of a new 2,800 square meter building to hold the completely redesigned finishing and loading department, and the installation of a new high-speed winder. The project started in the second quarter of 2006.
The expansion has increased the plant’s annual production capacity of supercalendered release base papers by more than 35 percent, which will be progressively achieved in the coming quarters, according to a company statement. The project followed a similar operation that had taken place at the Turin, Italy, plant in early 2006.
Ahlstrom also announced that it will form a joint venture with the Brazilian pulp and paper manufacturer Votorantim Celulose e Papel for the production of specialty papers in Brazil. The joint venture will enable Ahlstrom to develop a new platform to supply the all of Latin America, one of the fastest growing markets for pressure sensitive products. Ahlstrom will own 60 percent of the joint venture shares.