HELSINKI, Finland, Oct. 14, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Metso Paper and the Emulsion Polymers global business unit of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) (NYSE:DOW), a leading provider of latex products and services to the paper/paperboard and carpet markets, have signed a cooperation agreement to develop and bring to market a new paper and boardcoating process. According to the agreement, Dow will develop the coating chemicals and colors, while Metso Paper will develop the coating station technology, including supply systems, drying and process automation.
The development of this process, which is based on multilayer curtain coating application, is significant because several coating color layers can be applied at the same time to the paper web without any direct mechanical contact. This technology enables improvement of coated paper and board quality and production efficiency.
The agreement optimizes the resources of two market-leading companies with pilot coater and technology centers with Dow's in Midland, Michigan and Horgen, Switzerland; and Metso's in Jarvenpaa, Finland. The pilot trial and research programs will include all main printing and writing grades, as well as coated carton-boards.
Dow is a leading science and technology company that provides innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services. With annual sales of $28 billion, Dow serves customers in more than 170 countries. Dow has approximately 50,000 employees.
Metso Corporation (NYSE:MX) is a global supplier of process industry machinery and systems, as well as knowhow and aftermarket services. The corporation's core businesses are fiber and paper technology (Metso Paper), rock and mineral processing (Metso Minerals) and automation and control technology (Metso Automation). In 2001, the net sales of Metso Corporation were EUR 4.3 billion and the personnel totaled approximately 30,000. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki and New York Stock Exchanges.