Stora Enso upgrades Imatra Mills

 Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Stora Enso has been reported to invest EUR 80 million to centralise and modernise wood handling in a project to improve Imatra Mills’ capacity to produce premium packaging boards. The investment is further expected to lessen the amount of process water used and reduce its environmental impact. The undertaking, which began in the first quarter of 2021, is now completed.

Reduced usage of 500 million litres of water annually

Over the course of two winters were required in extreme weather conditions to complete the wood handling modification. Absolutely safe working conditions for the workers were a special priority, and this worksite marked the first instance of the House building (TR) Audit being employed in a Stora Enso mill facility. In the construction sector, the House Building Audit technique is frequently used to evaluate worker behaviour, cleanliness, and safety. The TR Audit has been found to be a good predictor of accidents since it gives a broad overview of the entire worksite while concentrating on tiny regions at a time. This investment will result in a significant reduction of the amount of water used for wood handling. 500 million less litres of water will be used annually, or a reduction of 85% in water use as compared to the old debarking line. With the cessation of wood handling there, the noise level at the Tainionkoski Mill will also drop. The completion of modernisation of Imatra Mill’s wood handling on schedule has initiated wood debarking and handling centrally on Kaukopää Mill’s new debarking line. A third debarking line was installed, chip handling technologies were improved, and the infrastructure of the existing wood yard was changed as part of the project. The capacity for modernised and centralised wood handling will increase the process’s stability and effectiveness. More than 500 companies, nearly 40 per cent of which from South Karelia, were involved in the project.

“Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, construction progressed as usual, and the investment was completed on time and within budget. Most importantly, the work was completed safely. Co-operation between the various players was very smooth. The investment will serve Imatra Mills for decades to come,” states Mill Director Mikko Nieminen. Read more newws on Stora Enso

Tags: House Building Audit, Imatra Mills, packaging boards, Stora Enso, woodworking, woodworking and manufacturing, woodworking event, woodworking UK