Toscotec, the renowned provider of paper and board machinery solutions, is set to undertake a significant project to upgrade the forming section of PM2 at the Mina Abdullah paper mill in Kuwait, owned by Gulf Paper Manufacturing. The PM2 machine is dedicated to the production of tissue from 100% virgin fibers and is slated for a comprehensive rebuild by the end of 2023. This collaboration marks a repeat engagement for Toscotec, following their successful delivery of a major dryer section rebuild for Gulf Paper’s packaging paper machine (PM1) in 2019.
The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the paper formation and basis weight cross-direction (CD) control of PM2. This improvement will be achieved through the installation of a state-of-the-art TT Headbox and the upgrading of the approach flow system. The new headbox will be custom-designed to meet the stringent quality standards for facial tissue demanded by the Middle Eastern market.
Ghaleb Alhadhrami, Gulf Paper Manufacturing’s Projects & Development Manager, expressed confidence in Toscotec’s capabilities, based on the successful outcomes of their previous collaboration. He stated, “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, acknowledged the challenges associated with such rebuild projects. He emphasized the importance of strong engineering skills, experience, and adaptability in such endeavors. Bargiacchi stated, “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.”
Gulf Paper Manufacturing, established in 1978, played a pioneering role in the Gulf region by commencing paper production in 1981. Owned by Kuwaiti entrepreneurs, the company operates three production lines at its Mina Abdullah paper mill. PM1 is dedicated to producing packaging grades using 100% recycled paper, while PM2 specializes in manufacturing tissue from 100% virgin pulp. Additionally, the company operates a tissue converting line. Gulf Paper Manufacturing’s current production capacity stands at 70,000 tons, with 70% of its packaging grades earmarked for export to GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, primarily Saudi Arabia, while the domestic market accounts for approximately 30% of its business.