Metso selected as main supplier of valve solutions for Metsä Fibre's next-generation bioproduct mill to be built in Finland

Metso selected as main supplier of valve solutions for Metsä Fibre's next-generation bioproduct mill to be built in Finland

Metso Corporation press release on November 11, 2015 at 10:00 EET

Metso has signed a comprehensive framework agreement with Metsä Fibre to supply valve solutions for the world's first next-generation bioproduct mill in Äänekoski, Finland. Metso's valve solutions will be used in all of the mill's process phases. The delivery includes more than one thousand valves and peripheral devices and is one of Metso's largest valve orders in Finland. Metso also takes care of the spare part services for the mill.

"We are very pleased that Metsä Fibre trusts our valve expertise. The design of the bioproduct mill puts special emphasis on minimized emissions, low specific water consumption, and high energy and material efficiency, among other things. The availability and efficiency of the production processes can be maximized by utilizing optimally selected, reliable valve solutions," says Mika Sjöholm, Vice President, Pulp and Paper business line, Metso.

Metso will supply the plant with Neles^® ball valves, segment and butterfly valves for on-off and control applications and Neldisc^® butterfly valves for manual on-off duty. The control valves are equipped with Neles^® ND9000 series intelligent valve controllers, which have the capability for advanced performance follow-up and also enable predictive maintenance planning activities.

Metso's aim is to also ensure the correct timing of future maintenance needs of the mill's valve installations by utilizing digital valve controller properties and product information management.

Furthermore, to ensure best possible valve utilization rate Metso offers spare part inventory and maintenance services for the new mill. The service agreement is appended to the existing service agreement between Metsä Fibre and Metso.  

"Our valve production plant and our experts in Vantaa will play an important role in the manufacturing process of the new mill's products. We will use our global valve operations network in an optimal manner to offer competitive solutions to Metsä Fibre. The comprehensive valve maintenance services and our service center close to the customer ensure trouble-free production at the new mill," says Mika Sjöholm.  

The value of the framework agreement is not disclosed. Part of the order is included in Metso's fourth-quarter 2015 orders received with following quarter bookings during 2016. Metso's deliveries will start at the beginning of 2016, and the bioproduct mill will start its operations in the third quarter of 2017.