Fabian Simon
On October 12, Saica Group and Voith will celebrate 25 years of the PM 9 production line at Saica in El Burgo de Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain. Today, the board and packaging machine is regarded as a true benchmark and leader in terms of operational efficiency and product quality.
PM 9 started up on October 12, 2000. The production line was designed to meet Saica’s goal of producing a basis weight range of 75 to 110 g/m2 with operational speeds from 975 to 1,450 m/min and a production capacity of 350,000 tons per year. These speeds were totally unknown in those times for board and packaging grades. The line set new standards in the production of high-performance lightweight containerboard and has since reached annual production outputs well above its original design.
“When Saica’s board of directors decided to invest in a new facility for the production of lightweight corrugating medium grades, we knew we needed a machine that didn’t yet exist,” recalls Roberto Arnaiz, Mill Manager at Saica Paper El Burgo de Ebro. “Voith supported us from the beginning, and together we developed a facility that exceeded all our expectations.”
“The PM 9 at Saica is a prime example of innovation and technical excellence,” says Ralf Sorg, President Projects at Voith Paper. “Since its commissioning, it has not only significantly increased Saica’s production capacity but also set new standards for efficiency and quality in paper production. The PM 9 is a symbol of the success of the long-standing and trusting partnership between Voith and Saica.”
“The successful commissioning and smooth operation of the PM 9 are the results of long-lasting and close collaboration and high commitment from both teams,” Arnaiz continues. “We are proud that the PM 9 remains a significant element of our production line even 25 years later.”
Voith and Saica have made history together and look back on a quarter-century of innovation and success. The PM 9 remains a symbol of technological excellence and partnership in the paper industry. Voith looks forward to continuing to participate in the optimization and further development of the facility in the coming years.
To mark this milestone, Saica and Voith will collaborate on an innovative project to further increase the efficiency and sustainability of the production line. The upgrade is scheduled for March 2026.