BRUSSELS, Oct. 10, 2011 (RISI) - Syassky Pulp and Paper Mill is forging ahead with its tissue PM 2 rebuild project at its mill in Syasstroy in the Leningrad region of Russia.

The upgrade, which includes the replacement of the old 18,000 tonne/yr PM 2 with a new Toscotec-supplied 4.2 m wide crescent former PM, is aimed at increasing the firm's tissue capacity by some 20,000 tonnes/yr to 85,000 tonnes/yr. The investment is also expected to improve Syassky's product offer and reduce the mill's energy costs.

The modernized PM 2 will run at a speed of 1,400 m/min and will use virgin pulp as well as recovered paper as fiber. It is expected to come online by the end of the year. Syassky further plans to upgrade its 20,000 tonne/yr PM 3 in 2012 to boost the mill's total tissue capacity to 105,000 tonnes/yr.

The firm is also implementing investments on the converting side. In September, the firm started up a Gambini line to produce toilet paper and kitchen rolls. In December, it will bring online a fourth converting line, pushing Syassky's total converting capacity to 50 million rolls/month.

The Syassky mill houses three tissue machines. It also has one containerboard PM, which is currently idle.