Voith and APP Start Up China’s First High-Speed MG Specialty Paper Machine for Low Basis Weight Grades

Voith and Asia Pulp & Paper have successfully started up PM 6, described as China’s first high-speed MG specialty paper machine for low basis weight grades, at APP’s Jindong Dagang mill in Zhenjiang.

The PM 6 project was completed two months ahead of schedule and is intended to strengthen APP’s production capacity for specialty paper products, including thermal base paper and MG paper grades.

The machine has a reel width of 4,970 mm and a design speed of 1,200 metres per minute. It is designed to produce paper grades ranging from 20 to 60 g/m², with an annual production capacity of 120,000 tonnes.

For the project, Voith supplied an integrated production line combining its BlueLine stock preparation system and XcelLine paper machine technology. The scope included stock preparation, approach flow systems, winding and rewinding technologies.

According to the companies, the accelerated start-up was achieved through technical optimisation and collaboration between the Voith and APP project teams.

Li Yunsheng, CEO of APP Specialty & Graphic Paper, said the new line would strengthen the company’s supply capabilities and product quality for thermal paper and high-end MG grades. Carlos Lin, Senior Vice President of Order Execution & Operations at Voith Paper Asia, said the project reflected close cooperation and operational execution between the two companies.

The PM 6 line incorporates several technologies intended to improve operational efficiency and product quality. The stock preparation system includes an IntensaPulper and refining technologies designed to optimise fibre processing while reducing energy consumption. The machine also features a MasterJet Pro headbox with dilution water control technology to support uniform basis weight profiles and paper formation.

The forming section combines a Fourdrinier former with DuoFormer D II technology, while a Tandem NipcoFlex shoe press is designed to improve dryness levels while maintaining bulk properties. Drying and finishing systems include TopDuoRun and CombiDuoRun technologies, as well as SpeedSizer, EcoCal Soft calender, MasterReel and VariFlex NG Winder systems.

Voith and APP have collaborated since 1998 on multiple paper machine and finishing projects across APP facilities, including Dagang PM 1, PM 2 and PM 3, Guangxi BM 1 and Hainan PM 2. The companies stated that PM 6 is expected to support rising demand for premium specialty and functional paper grades in China and global markets.