Toscotec will supply a forming section rebuild of PM2 to Gulf Paper Manufacturing at their Mina Abdullah paper mill in Kuwait.
PM2 machine produces tissue from 100% virgin fibres, and it is scheduled for rebuild at the end of 2023. This is a repeat order for Toscotec who in 2019 successfully delivered a major dryer section rebuild of Gulf Paper’s packaging paper machine (PM1).
The project aims to improve PM2’s paper formation and basis weight cross direction (CD) control through an approach flow system upgrade and the installation of a state-of-the-art TT Headbox. The new headbox will be designed to match the high quality requirements for facial tissue in the Middle Eastern market.
Ghaleb Alhadhrami, Gulf Paper Manufacturing Projects & Development Manager, says, “With Toscotec’s rebuild of our packaging paper machine in 2019, we achieved a substantial production increase, reduced sheet breaks by over 80%, and improved paper quality especially in the moisture profile and hand feel. We are confident that Toscotec will deliver on this new upgrade of our tissue machine as successfully as they did two years ago. This new headbox and approach flow system are also fit for a future rebuild into crescent former configuration.”
Fabio Bargiacchi, Sales Manager at Toscotec, says, “A rebuild is always a challenge, as it requires strong engineering skills, experience, and flexibility. We are delighted that our tailor made solution was selected for this project. Our technology will support Gulf Paper to improve product quality and strengthen their tissue business. Toscotec consolidates its position in the Middle East, which includes 4 projects for super-soft facial tissue production awarded over the last two years.”
About Gulf Paper Manufacturing
Established in 1978, Gulf Paper Manufacturing was the first company to start manufacturing paper in the Gulf region in 1981. Owned by two families of Kuwaiti entrepreneurs, it operates three production lines at its Mina Abdullah paper mill in Kuwait: PM1 produces packaging grades, mainly Fluting medium, Test liner and white top liner, using 100% recycled paper; PM2 manufactures tissue from 100% virgin pulp; the third is a tissue converting line. The company’s current capacity is 70,000 tons, with 70% of its packaging grades being destined for export to GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries and chiefly Saudi Arabia, and the domestic market accounting for approximately 30% of its business.