Turkish cardboard manufacturer KMK Paper successfully resumed production on PM1 following an extensive rebuild supplied by Toscotec at its Kahramanmaraş facility in Turkey. PM1 produces packaging paper grades, including fluting, testliner, kraft paper, and gypsum board. 

Targets achieved across the full technological upgrade
The rebuild has achieved the primary targets of production increase and paper quality improvement. The project involved the modification of the entire paper machine from the forming section to the reel through the installation of Toscotec and Voith’s technology. The supply of a NipcoFlex shoe press featuring a nip load of 1600 kN/m has already achieved higher dryness and paper quality, and a DuoShake unit in the wet section is ensuring better formation. After the size press, a CB-Turn unit provides effective sheet stabilization through an air cushion and avoids roll contamination. In the dryer section, Toscotec has improved sheet stabilization in the first unirun section; the installation of TT SteelDryers has improved the total drying capacity, and the DuoCleaner units are guaranteeing effective cleaning of the dryer fabrics. Finally, a complete tail threading system has increased machine efficiency.

Bekir Yemşen, General Manager of KMK Paper, says: “Our target for PM1’s upgrade was to leverage Toscotec and Voith’s cutting edge technology to achieve a competitive advantage on the market. We are happy that our objective has been fully achieved.”  

Cihangir Hakan Oba, Project Manager of KMK Paper, says: “We are very satisfied with the outcome of this extensive upgrade of PM1. At KMK Paper, we always focus on the achievement of continuous improvements and on this project, we have realized it through the strong synergy between Toscotec and Voith.”  

Fabrizio Charrier, Sales Manager of Toscotec’s Paper & Board division, says: “I am very happy about the successful start-up of PM1 both professionally and personally. During the year that followed the earthquake, I have witnessed a huge effort and positive energy from KMK’s people, and I believe that this sends a strong signal of pride and enthusiasm to restart business activities. I think the unique collaboration between Toscotec, Voith and KMK teams has brought an important result.”

About KMK Paper
Established in 1988, KMK Paper operates two production sites in Kahramanmaraş (PM1 & 2) manufacturing 250,000 tons/year of kraft paper, gypsum board, coreboard, grey and corrugated cardboard, testliner, and fluting. After the rebuild, PM1’s capacity increased from 110,000 tons/year to 155,000 tons/year, and PM2’s capacity is 95,000 tons/year.

Contact
Simone Toniolo
Sales Area Manager, Paper & Board division Toscotec 
Email: Simone.Toniolo@toscotec.com