2025-05-05
Voith successfully starts up the rebuilt XcelLine PM 11 at heinzelpaper Laakirchen
- PM 11 produces up to 470,000 tons of corrugated base paper per year.
- Voith solutions enable the production of low basis weights at high speeds.
- As the leading full-line supplier, Voith delivered a tailor-made, end-to-end package for efficient and sustainable corrugated base paper production.
Voith successfully starts up the rebuilt XcelLine PM 11 at heinzelpaper Laakirchen.
LAAKIRCHEN, AUSTRIA/HEIDENHEIM. 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.
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.
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.
About heinzelpaper
The 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.
About Heinzel Group
Heinzel Group produces market pulp and packaging paper at three locations in Europe and trades in pulp, paper, waste paper and packaging solutions worldwide. With the production companies heinzelpöls, heinzelpaper and Estonian Cell, Heinzel Group is one of the most important pulp and paper producers in Central and Eastern Europe. The three trading companies of Heinzel Group – heinzelsales, Europapier and Bunzl & Biach – respond flexibly to the most diverse customer needs internationally. The growth success of the Heinzel Group is based on entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on long-term partnerships. Sustainability is the focus of all its activities.
About the company
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 22,000 employees, sales of € 5.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.
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The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services and products on the market and offers paper manufacturers holistic solutions from one source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and helps customers minimize their carbon footprint. With its leading automation products and digitalization solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, Voith offers its customers state-of-the-art digital technologies to improve plant availability and efficiency for all sections of the production process.