In June 2020, Toscotec successfully rebuilt the approach flow and wet end of PM4 at Papeterie Le Bourray in Saint-Mars-la-Brière, France. After two months of stable production, PM4 exceeded the performance targets relating to the improvement of sheet formation quality and cross direction basis weight profile. After the rebuild, the operating speed of PM4 increased by up to 10%.
The project included a new fan pump and a fully hydraulic TT Headbox. Toscotec also supplied a complete service package, comprising detailed engineering, dismantling operations, erection, commissioning, start-up supervision, and training. Through the joint effort of Toscotec and Papeterie Le Bourray, the project pushed ahead during the Covid-19 lockdown in France and Italy, and it was executed according to schedule.
Alexandre Pappalardo, Head of Maintenance & TN at Papeterie Le Bourray, says, “We are very satisfied with the outcome of the project. Toscotec respected the time limits of the machine shutdown and the new TT Headbox delivered on the performance targets. The restrictions in place during lockdown required extra efforts from both companies, but our good cooperation made it possible to complete the rebuild on schedule.”
Andrea Paganucci, Project Manager at Toscotec, says, “Papeterie Le Bourray provided Toscotec Service team with the best possible working conditions during the lockdown. We were united by a common determination to achieve the project targets and we succeeded. The new TT Headbox features a tailor-made design that allows the mill to operate in the current Tisco Former configuration but also in Crescent Former configuration in the future.”