Reconstruction of the press section at Fibre Excellence Provence

The reconstruction of the press section at our industrial site in Tarascon has been successfully completed, marking a key milestone in the modernization of our plant.
Thanks to the expertise of our partner Valmet, this major project has enabled us to relieve congestion in our pulp dryer while significantly improving our industrial performance.
 

Enhanced production capacity

The new press section, dedicated to unbleached kraft pulp from softwood (UKP), optimizes dryness and machine operating capacity, with a nominal capacity of 900 air-dried tons per day. Prepared for future capacity increases, this facility has already exceeded our expectations in terms of performance.

As Nicolas Michelon, our site production manager, explained: “This investment in our pulp press has enabled us to remove a major bottleneck in the plant's production, reaching a record 883 tons produced on August 6, 2024.”

Cédric Barrat, PP3 Production Manager at the plant, also noted a significant improvement in dryness, making the web much more resistant after the third press.
 

A sustainable breakthrough that defies industry standards

Launched on April 2, 2024, this initiative is part of a four-year, €180 million investment plan designed to meet the most demanding industrial and environmental standards.

Among the major innovations is Valmet's pressurized felt conditioning system, which replaces traditional vacuum pump systems. This process, which uses low-pressure air, reduces energy consumption by 50% and eliminates the use of water, offering a solution that is both sustainable and economical.

This modernization reflects our commitment to innovation and reducing our environmental impact, while improving the efficiency of our operations.
 

A fruitful collaboration with Valmet

The rebuild of the press section was completed on schedule thanks to rigorous planning and exemplary collaboration between our teams and those at Valmet.

Yannick Duperrier, Senior Mill Sales Manager, said: “In 2020, we launched a partnership to relieve congestion in the pulp dryer. The rebuild of the press section marked a decisive step in this process, with results exceeding our shared objectives.”
 

To celebrate this success, a convivial event was organized in early December 2024 at the site, bringing the teams together for coffee and cake. As Valmet shared in a LinkedIn post: “A coffee and cake event was held at the Fibre Excellence Provence site to celebrate the successful rebuild of the press section (...).” A wonderful way to conclude this ambitious project on a warm and unifying note!

To find out more, read the article on the Valmet website.