The forest industry company UPM is glad to receive Paso de los Toros Pulp mill in Uruguay from the international technology group ANDRITZ.
ANDRITZ has provided UPM with energy-efficient and environmentally superior technology for its most significant investment yet. Boasting a production capacity of 2.1 million tons of eucalyptus pulp annually, this mill is not only Uruguay’s largest but also the largest single line mill operational globally. Additionally, it is set to add approximately 1 TWh of surplus green electricity annually to Uruguay’s power grid.
“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.” Aki added further.
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 delivered the entire mill, crafting core equipment in its production sites across Finland, Sweden, Austria, and China. The delivery encompassed a comprehensive array of components including a wood processing plant, fiberline, pulp drying system, evaporation plant, white liquor plant, and a HERB recovery boiler designed to enhance steam production for energy generation. Additionally, it included a biomass power plant, a biosludge drying system, and all necessary process pumps for the facility. To ensure optimal operation, UPM has also entered into a maintenance agreement with ANDRITZ covering all process areas of the mill.
“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.
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.
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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