Grupo Gondi has entered into a contract with Voith to supply a new paper machine with an annual production capacity of 400,000 metric tons. The machine will be located in a facility in Monterrey in Northern Mexico. Voith will supply the complete BlueLine stock preparation and XcelLine paper machine from wet end process to winder, which should minimize the number of interfaces for the customer and maximize the operating efficiency of the project.
From early 2020, the state-of-the-art PM 7 will operate at the new Papel y Empaques Monterrey (PEM) mill. The machine will have a working width of 6,660 mm at the reel and a design speed of 1,200 m/min to produce testliner and corrugated medium with basis weights in the range of 90 to 250 gsm.
“With the new paper machine, Grupo Gondi will strengthen its position in the Mexican market for high-performance light weight recycled containerboard. It will also enhance our integration levels since our converting capacity has risen in recent years as we have expanded converting plants and grown through acquisitions. Voith will supply an extended scope of services, including the stock preparation, the paper machine, supporting sub systems and automation. Their ability to deliver an advanced, full-line, state-of-the-art system was very important to us and we continue to work closely with our partners at WestRock in connection with project planning and execution,” states Eduardo Posada, CEO at Grupo Gondi.
The XcelLine paper machine offers a range of special technical features that both improve the quality of the finished paper and reduce energy consumption. The scope of supply also includes a Tandem NipcoFlex Press, a TopFormer F, and an EcoCal calender. Moreover, PM 7 will be equipped with a VariFlex NG winder with an operational speed of 2,500 m/min, with MCS, DCS and QCS completing Voith’s scope of delivery.
In addition to the paper machine and the BlueLine stock preparation system, MERI, a Voith company, will supply the major sub-systems – material handling, internal water treatment, sludge handling and reject handling. These systems are designed to lower operating costs while maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
