Valmet's Tissue Tech Boosts Irving Consumer Products' North American Expansion

Valmet Oyj, a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation, and services for the pulp, paper, and energy industries, has announced a significant investment in Irving Consumer Products' Macon, Georgia, USA mill. The Finnish company will deliver a third Advantage ThruAir Drying (TAD) tissue machine to the Macon facility, further strengthening its partnership with Irving Consumer Products and supporting the latter's commitment to providing ultra-premium tissue products to the North American market.

The new installation, planned for startup in 2027, is part of Irving Consumer Products' Phase 3 expansion at the Macon mill. The USD 600 million investment will add another 100 jobs and include a third ThruAir Drying papermaking machine, additional converting lines, and a new fully automated warehouse. This expansion is a testament to the trust and excellent collaboration between Valmet and Irving Consumer Products, as well as their shared commitment to continuous improvement and growth.

Valmet's delivery will comprise a complete tissue production line, including stock preparation equipment. The new line will feature an Advantage ThruAir tissue machine equipped with an OptiFlo II TIS headbox, ThruAir Dryers, an air system, and an Advantage SoftReel reel. The scope also includes mist and dust control systems, automation systems, basic mill engineering, Valmet Performance Center services, and services for installation and commissioning. Once operational, the production line will increase Irving Consumer Products' annual tissue production capacity by 75,000 tons.

Irving Consumer Products, one of North America's leading manufacturers of household paper and baby diaper products, is committed to providing high-quality, ultra-premium tissue products to its customers. The company's Irving Tissue division produces premium household store brand paper products for many of North America's top retailers, in addition to some of the top-selling tissue brands in the marketplace. The new TAD machine from Valmet will enable Irving Consumer Products to meet the growing demand for tissue products in the North American market while maintaining its commitment to quality and sustainability.

Valmet's Advantage ThruAir tissue machine is a key technology in the tissue market, offering superior bulk and softness for bath tissue and excellent performance strength and absorbency for towel products. By delivering this technology to Irving Consumer Products, Valmet continues to demonstrate its technological edge in the tissue market and its commitment to supporting customers in meeting the growing demand for tissue products.

In conclusion, Valmet's investment in Irving Consumer Products' Macon mill is a strategic move that aligns with both companies' long-term goals and commitment to growth, innovation, and sustainability. The new TAD machine will enable Irving Consumer Products to increase its production capacity, meet the growing demand for tissue products in the North American market, and maintain its commitment to quality and sustainability. Valmet, with its advanced technologies and services, continues to solidify its position as a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation, and services for the pulp, paper, and energy industries.