Saudi Paper Manufacturer unveils state-of-the-art PM5 machine to boost output

SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi Paper Manufacturing Company (SPM) has officially launched its new Paper Machine 5 (PM5), marking a major expansion to its manufacturing capabilities and reinforcing its reputation as a regional leader in the paper industry.

SPM is part of the Saudi Paper Group (SPG), an integrated paper, recycling and tissue conversion operation.

The company has long been a key player in the production of jumbo tissue rolls, tissue products, and paper pulp, serving both domestic and export markets.

According to insiders, PM5 is not merely an additional line, but a high-performance, efficient machine designed for large-scale output, advanced energy optimization, and operational resilience.

The line is expected to elevate SPM’s production capacity significantly, enabling the company better to meet rising demand in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

While SPM has not publicly disclosed the full technical specifications of PM5, recent collaborations hint at its scale and ambition. In 2022, SPG selected Toscotec to deliver an AHEAD 2.2L machine as its PM5 line under a full turnkey contract.

That model is characterized by a wide sheet trim (5,600 mm) and a maximum design speed of 2,200 m/min, with energy-efficiency features such as a TT NextPress shoe press and a high-efficiency Yankee Dryer system.

A company executive commented, “This milestone marks a significant expansion of our production capabilities and reinforces our position as a leading paper manufacturer in the region. This state-of-the-art machine represents a major step forward in our journey of sustainable growth and technological advancement.”

The timing of this launch comes as global demand for tissue and hygiene products continues to climb, driven by evolving consumer behavior, health awareness, and packaging innovations.

In the Middle East, regional producers are seeking to reduce import dependency and meet stricter sustainability standards, placing competitive pressure on local manufacturers to modernize and scale.

For SPM, PM5 is more than a capacity boost: it is an investment in resilience, enabling efficient operation, lower energy consumption per ton, and tighter integration with recycling and converting units within SPG’s ecosystem.

With PM5 now operational, all eyes are on how quickly the new line ramps to full capacity, how it performs under real market conditions, and whether it helps Saudi Paper consolidate market share domestically and across export markets.

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