International technology group ANDRITZ has received a major order for a tissue production line from Juthor Paper Manufacturing Co., part of Middle East Paper Co.
(MEPCO) Group, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Start-up is scheduled for 2026. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The line will be equipped with the latest ANDRITZ technologies from stock preparation to the reel to ensure low energy consumption and high product quality. The tissue machine will be one of the world’s fastest high-capacity machines, with a design speed of 2200 m/min and up to 5.47 m width at the reel.
A comprehensive automation and digitalization package will contribute to high performance and operational efficiency. Adel Alfar, Director Operations, Juthor Paper says: “We partnered with ANDRITZ because they are a high-end technology provider with a focus on optimized energy consumption for high-capacity and high-quality tissue production. Their commitment to support us in achieving our targets has convinced us.“
The production line includes the following technological highlights:
• ShortFlow stock preparation system with double dilution to enable significant energy savings through screening at higher consistency.
• Papillon refiner with cylindrical refining zone to combine gentle and homogenous fiber treatment from inlet to outlet. Easily accessible refiner segments enable fast and efficient maintenance.
• PrimeLineTM W 2200 tissue machine equipped with the latest generation PrimePress XT Evo shoe press for optimum bulk levels at highest sheet dryness in the market. In combination with the steel Yankee and hood with co-generation system, lowest possible energy consumption is achieved.
• Premium clothing developed exclusively for this type of tissue machine with StrataPress T felt, Impulse shoe press belts and ANDRITZ Bonetti doctors to achieve top formation, high dryness, and low drying energy consumption.
• Metris Automation & Digitalization platform including Metris X, a hardware-independent and fully integrated distributed control system (iDCS), and its latest applications to enhance performance and efficiency of the plant. To ensure a swift ramp-up and a well-trained workforce, an advanced Operator Training Simulator is part of the package (Metris OTS).
The order will be executed on an EPC basis, including engineering, procurement, installation, and commissioning. Gerald Steiner, Senior Vice President Paper & Tissue, ANDRITZ, says: “High speed, high capacity, and high quality – Juthor Paper is pursuing an impressive growth strategy, and we are proud to be the chosen partner on this journey! With all the expertise in both companies, we look forward to setting new standards in tissue production together – not only in terms of volume and efficiency, but also for sustainability and digitalization.”
Middle East Paper Co. is one of the largest paper manufacturers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With the foundation of Juthor Paper, MEPCO entered the tissue market a couple of years ago. This order confirms the successful partnership between MEPCO and ANDRITZ and marks another milestone in ANDRITZ’s support of industry worldwide with resource-efficient and innovative technologies.