NEWS

(06/02/2024 / sbr)

Heinzel Group successfully starts up paper machine converted by Andritz at Steyrermühl, Austria

International technology group Andritz has completed the conversion of a graphic paper machine at Heinzel Group’s Steyrermühl mill in Austria. After a successful start-up, the machine is now producing kraft papers for packaging which are marketed under Heinzel Group’s well-established Starkraft brand. This enables Heinzel Pöls/Starkraft to take a major step forward in sustainable paper production and global expansion.

The rebuilt machine is running smoothly with a capacity of 150,000 tons of brown and white kraft paper per year and a paper witdth of 6,300 mm at the reel. Starkraft offers a full range of 40 to 100 gsm kraft papers. This strategic investment allows Heinzel’s Starkraft division to produce a total of up to 350,000 tons of kraft paper per year.

Andritz introduced a unique headbox and gapformer concept combined with a shoe press that achieves significant energy savings. Andritz's softnip calender technology results in premium paper surface qualities. Moreover, Andritz provided a new VIB SteamTech profiling system and an upgrade of the existing steam and condensate system.

The scope of supply also included upgrades of the stock preparation, approach flow, and broke handling systems, as well as extensive upgrades of the automation systems, detail engineering packages, and mechanical erection.

The conversion at the Steyrermühl mill is the latest project in the long and successful cooperation between Andritz and the Heinzel Group. Previous Andritz references include the conversion of the PM10 at Laakirchen and the supply of new MG paper machines (PM3 and PM2) for the Pöls mill. Starkraft, a business unit of Heinzel Pöls, is part of the Heinzel Group, a family-owned pulp and paper group based in Austria.