ANDRITZ to supply high-speed tissue machine to Juthor Paper in Saudi Arabia

SAUDI ARABIA – ANDRITZ, the international technology group, has secured a significant order for a tissue production line from Juthor Paper Manufacturing Co., a subsidiary of Middle East Paper Co. (MEPCO) Group in Saudi Arabia.

The line, scheduled to start in 2026, will feature the latest ANDRITZ technologies, which aim to maximize energy efficiency and product quality.

Although the order’s value has not been disclosed, the machine will be one of the fastest high-capacity tissue machines globally, with a design speed of 2200 m/min and a reel width of up to 5.47 meters.

The project includes a comprehensive automation and digitalization package to boost performance and operational efficiency.

Adel Alfar, Director of Operations at Juthor Paper, emphasized the company’s decision to partner with ANDRITZ, “We chose ANDRITZ for their cutting-edge technology and commitment to optimizing energy consumption while maintaining high-capacity, high-quality tissue production. Their support in achieving our targets was key to our decision.”

Key technological highlights of the production line include several advanced systems designed to optimize efficiency and energy savings.

The ShortFlow Stock Preparation System incorporates double dilution, a feature that allows for significant energy savings by screening at higher consistency. This system improves energy efficiency while ensuring high-quality stock preparation.

The Papillon Refiner has a cylindrical refining zone that ensures gentle and homogeneous fiber treatment.

This system provides easy access to the refiner segments, allowing for fast and efficient maintenance and improving operational reliability.

The PrimeLine™ W 2200 Tissue Machine has the latest-generation PrimePress XT Evo shoe press. This system is designed to ensure optimum bulk and the highest sheet dryness.

Combined with a steel Yankee and a co-generation system, it achieves the lowest possible energy consumption, making it a highly efficient solution for high-capacity tissue production.

The Premium Clothing for the Tissue Machine includes StrataPress T felt, Impulse shoe press belts, and ANDRITZ Bonetti doctors.

These components are specifically developed to achieve top formation, high dryness, and minimal drying energy consumption, enhancing the system’s energy efficiency and performance.

The Metris Automation & Digitalization Platform includes Metris X, a fully integrated and hardware-independent distributed control system (iDCS).

This platform features the latest applications designed to enhance plant performance. The advanced Operator Training Simulator (Metris OTS) will also support a swift ramp-up of operations and ensure the workforce is adequately trained for optimal performance.

The order will be executed on an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) basis, covering engineering, procurement, installation, and commissioning.

Gerald Steiner, Senior Vice President of Paper and tissue at ANDRITZ, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Juthor Paper’s growth strategy is impressive. We’re proud to support them in achieving new standards in tissue production—combining speed, capacity, efficiency, sustainability, and digitalization.”

As one of the largest paper manufacturers in the MENA region, MEPCO has expanded into the tissue market with Juthor Paper, further strengthening its partnership with ANDRITZ.

This order marks another milestone in ANDRITZ’s global efforts to provide the industry with resource-efficient and innovative technologies.

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