Heidenheim, Germany 08 November 2017 -- The Papierfabrik August Koehler SE has awarded Voith the order for a new production line for machine-glazed specialty papers. Line 8 is to be installed at the company's Kehl facility and consists of a BlueLine stock preparation unit, wet end process, XcelLine paper machine, offline coating machine and VariPlus winder. Designed for up to 120,000 metric tons per year, Line 8 will produce a wide range of thermal papers and flexible packaging papers and will therefore be one of the most efficient specialty paper machines in the world when it goes into operation from the summer of 2019.

The priorities for the German specialty paper manufacturer were the flexible production of various qualities of thermal and packaging papers combined with high machine efficiency and quality over the entire basis weight range. In addition, the machine needed to be particularly energy efficient, i.e. use less power, water and steam. XcelLine meets both these criteria thanks to its perfectly matched components.

The chosen paper machine concept combines the latest Voith technology for headbox, former and press section to guarantee optimum CD profiles, excellent fiber orientation with ideal dewatering capacity, and high efficiency.

The centerpiece of the dryer section will be a welded Yankee cylinder with a diameter of more than 7,000 mm. This equipment does a great deal to achieve the premium qualities necessary to satisfy the stringent quality requirements of August Koehler.

The multi-layer coating for differentiating the premium paper qualities is realized with the offline coating machine SM 8, which is fitted with ultra-modern coating equipment and offers non-contacting, gentle drying with high thermal efficiency. The final smoothing of the specialty papers is done using an innovative calendaring concept followed by a Sirius reel. In addition, Voith will supply the basic and detail engineering for Line 8.

With this project, Koehler and Voith are continuing their longstanding successful collaboration. Koehler and Voith have effectively pooled their extensive technological expertise to make this one of the most efficient specialty paper machines in the world.

About the Koehler Paper Group

The name Koehler is a byword for high-quality specialty papers in the segments thermal papers, carbonless papers, fine papers, technical specialty papers, colored papers, decor papers and mechanical pulp board. With a consolidated turnover of around 800 million euros and sales of 500,000 metric tons of paper, Koehler is one of the few independent family-owned German companies in the paper industry with a history stretching back 210 years. At four locations, the company's head office in Oberkirch and paper mills in Kehl, Greiz and Weisenbach, a highly motivated workforce of more than 1,800 people produces paper using state-of-the-art technology.

About the Koehler Group

Alongside its core business of paper, the Koehler Group, which includes Koehler Renewable Energy GmbH, is consolidating its focus on the renewable energy segment. Throughout Germany and in other countries, it develops and operates several biomass co-generation plants, hydropower and wind power plants, and produces regenerative electricity, steam and heat for customers in various industries. The newest member of the Group, Koehler Innovative Solutions, develops and manufactures micro-capsules for a wide range of applications and industries.

About Voith Paper

Voith Paper is a Group Division of Voith and the leading partner and pioneer in the paper industry. Through constant innovations, Voith Paper is optimizing the paper manufacturing process, focusing on developing resource-saving products to reduce the use of energy, water and fibers. Furthermore, Voith Paper offers a broad service portfolio for all sections of the paper manufacturing process.

About Voith

For 150 years, Voith's technologies have been inspiring customers, business partners and employees worldwide. Founded in 1867, Voith today has around 19,000 employees, sales of €4.3 billion and locations in more than 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe. Being a technology leader, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive.