HELSINKI, Finland, Oct. 1, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Metso Paper has received an order to supply an LWC/newsprint production line to China. The order was placed by Jilin Paper Co., Ltd. The start-up of the line, to be built at Jilin, northern China, is scheduled for late 2002. The value of the order is over EUR 70 million.
The new production line includes a new paper machine that is designed for a speed of 1600 m/min and has a wire width of 6,950 mm. The main basis weight of the LWC paper will be 60 g/m2. The paper machine is designed to produce newsprint paper as well, with a basis weight of 45 g/m2. In addition to the paper machine, the order includes stock preparation equipment, a winder and chemical handling system of the whole process.
The construction work of the new mill site in the city of Jilin, with a population of 1.5 million, has commenced. Machinery assembly work will begin in mid-2002. Located in China's northern Jilin province, the mill utilizes local aspen and larch forests and plantations as fiber resources.
Jilin Paper Co., Ltd. is one of the largest, state-owned companies in China. The main business area has been the production of newsprint paper. The new LWC production line opens a new business area for the company in the production of coated magazine paper grades.
China has become one of the most important markets for Metso Paper. Earlier this year Metso Paper received an order for a linerboard machine to be delivered to Guangdong province in Southeastern China. In 1989, Metso Corporation (NYSE:MX) established a joint venture to operate a paper machine works in Xian. Currently Metso Paper has sales and service offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Wuxi.
Metso Corporation is a global supplier of process industry machinery and systems. Metso's core businesses are divided between Metso Paper (fiber and paper technology), Metso Minerals (rock and mineral processing) and Metso Automation (automation and control technology). In 2000, the net sales of Metso Corporation were EUR 3.9 billion, and the personnel totaled approximately 22,000. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki and New York Stock Exchanges.
Metso completed its offer for Svedala Industri AB on September 14, 2001. Svedala is a global supplier of products and services for rock and mineral processes. Metso's and Svedala's combined net sales are approximately EUR 5.400 million (in 2000) and the amount of personnel is approximately 32,000.