Features Equipment & Systems Paper Pulp
Ahlstrom-Munksjö to invest EUR 21 million in coated specialties at Brazil’s Jacarei plant

The project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2019, and will expand the site’s capabilities of coating and calendering on the paper machine. It will allow Ahlstrom-Munksjö to offer more efficient, high-quality on-line coated products in the areas of self-adhesive and wet glue labeling, flexible packaging and sublimation printing. Demand growth for high value-added coated specialty papers has been robust in the region during past years.

The coated specialties business produces a wide range of products and materials often used in manufacturing and production processes, such as abrasive backings, electrotechnical insulation papers, coated label and flexible packaging papers, release liners and specialty pulp.

The upgrade of the production line will also improve the company’s flexibility to deliver a wider range of product trims. Additionally, it will open up further innovation opportunities in existing and new product areas. The benefit of the investment includes an improved product mix and increased production efficiency.

“The project represents the latest step in the journey to reinforce our position in Brazil, said Valmir Piton, vice-president, coated specialties, and country manager, Brazil. In April, Ahlstrom-Munksjö agreed to acquire MD Papéis’ Caieiras specialty paper mill, located in the vicinity of Jacareì, in the Sao Paulo area. Following the acquisition, Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s presence in Brazil will comprise three operating plants, all near Sao Paolo, employing over 700 people and with revenues of approximately of EUR 200 million.