Marlina, Italy 27 April 2015 -- The Toscotec-supplied AHEAD-2.0 tissue machine at Fortissue S.A., the new productive division of Suavecel S.A based in Viana do Castelo, in the coastal and delta region of Rio Lima about 75 km north of Porto, was successfully started up in early April 2015. The machine came easily on stream after the commissioning period and is now producing high quality tissue products according to the guaranteed technological parameters.
Due to the excellent cooperation between Fortissue and Toscotec the line started up smoothly on schedule, 18 months after the order signature of the turn key contract.

The new Toscotec's line, based on the best available technology, includes an AHEAD-2.0 crescent former tissue machine with TT Headbox-MLT double-layer, a Steel Yankee Dryer (TT SYD-16FT), Milltech hood, steam&condensate and dust removal system. The supply also comprises stock preparation plant for virgin pulp, vacuum plant, boiler plant, air compressors and electrification & control system. A three unwind stands tissue slitter rewinder TT WIND-H and an automatic roll handling system complete the delivery. The project has been fully managed by Toscotec on an EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction) basis.

With a net web width of 2820 mm and a maximum drying capacity of 120 tpd, the new tissue line has a capacity of 35,000 tpa making Suavecel active on the entire tissue production process.

The combination of technical expertise with the right equipment and tools required to a superior productive performance, is the key to success of the company's project, and it largely accounts for the increasing growth that Suavecel is experiencing since 1996, year of its foundation. Before the start-up of the new machine, the Portuguese company was engaged in the transformation of paper, namely producing toilet paper, paper towel, pocket tissues and paper napkins, but also offering some products for the AFH sector.

"Throughout the years - Nuno Ribeiro, CEO of Fortissue and Suavecel, said - our company has successfully met the challenges, based on its ability for a sustainable growth along with suitable development policies, as the notion of growth does not necessarily mean improvement. The company has made a considerable investment effort in capital and human resources in order to achieve the winning combination of these two concepts".