NEWS

(08/24/2021 / sbr)

ABB/Voith alliance helps SCA to drive bold investment program forward

ABB has been contracted by machine supplier Voith to deliver drives and electrification to support the build of SCA’s new kraftliner machine PM2 at its Obbola mill in Umeå, Sweden.

The contract is in addition to an automation and control system upgrade based on the ABB Ability™ System 800xA distributed control system (DCS), drives and instrumentation package that SCA awarded to ABB for the brownfield expansion, complementing ABB’s existing installed base and long-standing service agreement.

The installation of a new machine, infrastructure and optimized capabilities means that SCA’s annual production at Obbola will increase from the current 450,000 tonnes of kraftliner to 725,000 tonnes. The feat of bringing a brand new, large and wide machine online will meet the growing demand for renewable packaging with higher production capacity and efficiency.

“Increased focus on sustainable packaging and e-commerce is boosting demand for high-quality packaging paper,” said Per Strand, Project Director at SCA. “The new machine from Voith and the associated ABB product selection will allow substantial increases in production and will allow the Obbola mill to meet increased market demands.”

Voith, as a full-line supplier, is taking responsibility for the entire papermaking process and project handling of the new Obbola mill. ABB’s scope includes sectional drives suitable for high power and high power density machines as well as specialized motor requirements, ABB Ability ™ System 800xA drive control system with ABB Ability ™ Data Logger tool and Safety PLC solution for the drive system safety functions.

“This contract allowed the opportunity to demonstrate ABB’s willingness to share a project scope with OEMs like Voith and serve the end customer in a way that harnesses our local presence and global know-how,” said Per-Inge Bengtsson, Sales Manager for ABB Pulp & Paper, Sweden.

“We are able to work closely with contracted parties to offer a more agile management style that enables us to better mitigate risks and balance expectations for both the OEM and customers.