After the start-up phase, the machine will produce an annual capacity of 750,000 tonnes of containerboard with a working width of 9.20 metres. Together with the two paper factories PM1 in Burg and PM2 in Eisenhüttenstadt, this means that the total annual production capacity for containerboard will increase from 1,100,000 tonnes to approx. 1,850,000 tonnes.

Progroup is massively increasing the pace at which it is implementing its Two Twentyfive growth strategy and on 6 July 2018 it awarded a contract worth millions of euros to construct the PM3 paper machine at the Sandersdorf-Brehna site. With a total of €375 million being invested, the greenfield project is being created on a construction plot covering an area of approx. 450,000 square metres. Roughly 140 state-of-the-art jobs will be created directly and around 350 jobs will be created indirectly in the region.

The contract for the new state-of-the-art paper machine has now been awarded to the Heidenheim-based machine builder Voith Paper. Drum pulping, stock preparation, former, press and dryer section, surface application, as well as reeling and reel finishing – from the initial fibre to the finished paper, everything will be supplied from a single source and optimally coordinated. 

Progroup has always been driven by three forces: the Power of Innovation, the Power of Cooperation and the Power of Fascination. These three forces are deeply rooted in the company’s DNA and thus form the basis for its success. With Voith Paper, Progroup has a business partner that fits perfectly into this triad. Its innovative drive, enthusiasm and team spirit form the foundation for developing a state-of-the-art paper machine which takes account of the most exacting requirements for the very latest modern paper production and will thus advance to become the industry benchmark. 

Jürgen Heindl, CEO of Progroup, adds by way of explanation: “The economy in Germany is shaped by mechanical and plant engineering on the one hand and a broad base of strong family businesses. It is therefore no surprise that the two family businesses Voith Paper and Progroup have come together to deliver this challenging project.”