Toscotec will provide a complete plant with two AHEAD-2.0L tissue machines on a full turnkey basis to Sofidel America’s integrated plant (paper mill and converting) in Inola, Oklahoma, the second greenfield investment of the Group in the United States. The start-up is scheduled for the last quarter of 2019 for PM1 and for the first quarter of 2020 for PM2.

The supply includes two AHEAD-2.0L tissue machines, equipped with second generation TT SYD and gas-fired TT Milltech-DYH Duosystem Hoods, with a high level of energy recovery. Each  AHEAD-2.0L machine features a sheet trim of 5,500 mm, an operating speed of 2,000 m/min and is designed for an annual production capacity of over 80,000 tons.

The supply also comprises the stock preparation equipment and accessories, Toscotec’s TT SAF (Short Approach Flow) ensuring increased operation efficiency, the Distribution Control System (DCS) and Quality Control System (QCS) and the dust and mist removal systems.

The project’s turnkey scope includes the boiler plant, the compressed air station, the bridge crane, the shaft puller, the roll handling and wrapping systems, the chemical preparation system, the hall ventilation system and the water treatment system (Fresh Water Treatment Plant and Waste Water Treatment Plant).

Toscotec will also provide the detailed mill engineering according to US codes and standards, the construction management, the plant and the machine erection, commissioning and start-up supervision and training programs.

The two tissue lines are dedicated to the production of toilet paper and towels and will process 100% pre-dried virgin pulp.

Luigi Lazzareschi, CEO of Sofidel, states: "Toscotec’s tissue lines represent an important part of our expansion plan in the US, one of the most important markets for our Group. A key technology investment for our new, integrated plant in Inola to serve the South-Central and Central-Western United States. We opted for one of the most advanced and energy-efficient technology, to help pursuing our penetration in the American market and sustaining the high quality of our products."

The construction of the plant – that will combine sustainability and technological innovation – started in March 2018 and will be completed by mid-2020. Once fully operational, the new facility will employ 300 full-time workers. Since the beginning of the expansion to the United States in 2012, Sofidel has now operations in seven states: Florida, Mississippi, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Sofidel is a family-run company owned by Stefani and Lazzareschi families, and is the second biggest player in Europe today, and the sixth worldwide in tissue paper manufacturing, with net sales of 1,947 million USD (2017) and a production capacity of over one million tonnes per year (1,098,000 tonnes in 2017).

"We are honoured to have been selected for such an important investment by Sofidel. And even more so, this project represents the joint effort of two Lucca-based Italian companies who set out to succeed in the USA. I know that we have already achieved important synergies and I firmly believe that working together for a shared expansion target will lead to a successful outcome," says Alessandro Mennucci, CEO of Toscotec.  

The Sofidel Group

The Sofidel Group is one of the leading manufacturer of paper for hygienic and domestic use worldwide. Established in 1966, the Group has subsidiaries in 13 countries – Italy, Spain, the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Greece, Romania, Turkey and the USA - with more than 6,000 employees, net sales of 1,724 million Euros (2017) / 1,947 million USD (2017) and a production capacity of over one million tonnes per year (1,098,000 tonnes in 2017). “Regina”, its most well-known brand, is present on almost all the reference markets. Other brands include: Softis, Le Trèfle, Sopalin, Nouvelle, Thirst Pockets, KittenSoft, Nalys, Cosynel, Yumy, Soft & Easy, Volare, Onda, Lycke, Forest, Nicky, Papernet. A member of the UN Global Compact and the international WWF Climate Savers program, the Sofidel Group considers sustainability a strategic factor with regards to growth and is committed to promoting socially and environmentally responsible development.

Sofidel America

Sofidel America is a subsidiary of the Sofidel Group. It was established in 2012 through the acquisition of the Cellynne tissue company which was founded in 1988 with two converting plants in Green Bay (Wisconsin) and Henderson (Nevada), and one integrated plant in Haines City (Florida). The company is now active in seven states – the original three already listed, as well as Oklahoma (Tulsa), Mississippi (Hattiesburg), Ohio (Circleville) and Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) where the company has its American headquarters. Furthermore, a new integrated plant is currently under construction in Oklahoma (Inola).