Valmet to supply an OptiFlo headbox and Valmet Conical Refiners to Shree Ajit Pulp and Paper in India

Valmet has been selected to supply an OptiFlo Layering Fourdrinier headbox with Aqua layering technology, Valmet Conical Refiners Pro and Conflo to Shree Ajit Pulp and Paper for their Unit 2 Mill at Vapi, Gujarat in India. The start-up is planned for the first quarter 2024.

The order is included in Valmet’s orders received for the second quarter of 2023. The value of the order will not be disclosed. 

“Valmet’s latest technologies will enable us to produce lightweight end products. We are proud of this step and the association with Valmet to differentiate ourselves in the Indian market. This will be the first installation of these novel headbox technologies in India. The next step would be to automate the machine and process systems with Valmet’s solutions,” says Gautam D Shah, chairman and managing director of Shree Ajit Pulp and Paper .

“We are pleased to be Shree Ajit’s partner supporting them to achieve their business goals. The new headbox technologies with proven references in Europe and Asia will bring the possibility to produce a two-layer sheet using only one headbox and one forming unit. The layering headbox with the patented Aqua layering technology produces a disturbance-free, purely layered structure that boosts strength properties,” says Varun Jain, director of India Region, Asia Pacific, Valmet.

Technical information of the delivery

The delivery includes an OptiFlo Layering Fourdrinier headbox with Aqua layering technology as well as new generation Valmet Conical Refiners Pro and Conflo for producing micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC). Valmet Conical Refiner Pro with its higher installed power throughput raises the refining efficiency, achieving good fibrillation of the fibers without cutting.

The delivery also includes a Valmet IQ Quality Control System (QCS), a Valmet IQ Dilution Profiler, and a Valmet IQ Steam Profiler. The end products will be kraft liner and white top test liner.

Shree Ajit Pulp and Paper is one of the top kraft paper manufacturers in India. They manufacture premium grade kraft paper with a basis weight range of 70–350 g/m² in their existing plant and plan to manufacture 45–150 g/m² in the new plant. Their products are 100% recycled and used by various companies in India and globally.