The leading full-line supplier Voith has successfully completed the rebuild of the PM 11 at the heinzelpaper plant in Laakirchen, enabling the XcelLine paper machine to produce up to 470,000 tons of corrugated base paper per year. The conversion from graphic papers to corrugated base papers marks a significant milestone for the Austrian company, which looks back on a longstanding partnership with Voith.
“This large and technologically demanding rebuild is proof of our vision and the strength of our partnership with Voith,” said Dr. Thomas Welt, CEO of heinzelpaper. “The fast and high-quality XcelLine PM 11 will set a new benchmark for efficient and sustainable paper production. With this rebuild, we have clearly demonstrated how sustainable solutions contribute to more efficient paper production. We are very satisfied with the project progress and the successful start-up. My thanks go to the entire Laakirchen and Voith team!”
Voith supplied a complete tailor-made package of highly efficient components, including proven stabilization and drying concepts and a comprehensive engineering package. These solutions enable efficient and sustainable production of low basis weights at high speeds, thereby contributing significantly to increasing production capacity from 330,000 tons to 470,000 tons per year.
The entire paper machine fabrics, including installation, is also part of the scope of supply. Ideal conditioning of the forming wires is ensured by the Voith CleanLine Excell, which is supplied with the fabrics. With the help of the Forming OnQ-Sense, which was also supplied and installed, heinzelpaper Laakirchen can ensure a reduction in vacuum while maintaining the same dry content, thus saving energy in the long term. The installed ProTect crossbars enable press felt measurements to be carried out while the machine is running without personnel having to enter the press interior.
“The successful start-up of PM 11 at heinzelpaper Laakirchen demonstrates our high level of expertise in delivering customized solutions that meet the specific requirements of our customers,” said Martin Jauch, Senior Vice President Rebuilds at Voith Paper. “Our goal was to enable more resource-efficient operation after the rebuild while maximizing the machine's potential with solutions that will last for decades. We are proud to be working with heinzelpaper Laakirchen again and to be making a significant contribution to their sustainable growth.”
During the rebuild, the paper machine and two VariTop reel stands were retrofitted, numerous components were relocated, and the web guide was adapted to the new requirements. Special attention was given to optimizing the Tandem NipcoFlex press to enable stable web running without breaks. In addition, the Voith experts installed a new SpeedSizer for applying surface strength and an energy-efficient post-dryer section. The necessary control and regulation changes were implemented by installing efficient automation systems from Voith.
About heinzelpaperThe heinzelpaper site combines the Laakirchen and Steyrermühl mills in Upper Austria, which are located just a few kilometers apart. As part of the Heinzel Group, heinzelpaper stands for a strong combination of tradition, innovation and sustainability in paper production. The Laakirchen mill specializes in the production of environmentally friendly, lightweight corrugated base papers made from recycled paper for the European market. Production runs on the PM10 paper machine and, since April 2025, on the new PM11. At the Steyrermühl mill, the PM6 paper machine, which belongs to the Group's sister company heinzelpöls, produces high-quality kraft papers that cover a wide range of packaging and specialty papers for a variety of customer requirements. The long-established Laakirchen and Steyrermühl mills were founded in 1867 and 1868, respectively, and today employ around 700 people at the heinzelpaper site.
With this successful start-up, Voith strengthens its position as a reliable partner to the paper industry and a leading full-line supplier for efficient and sustainable paper production.