Valmet’s lifecycle commitment in action at Nordic Paper's Bäckhammar Mill
Valmet’s lifecycle commitment is more than a promise – it’s a proven approach to sustaining performance and reliability over decades. At Nordic Paper’s Bäckhammar Mill, Valmet delivered an impregnation system upgrade that demonstrates how long-term partnership and lifecycle services keep essential equipment operating safely and efficiently.
Nordic Paper’s Bäckhammar Mill in Sweden is the company’s largest production facility, producing both unbleached kraft pulp and high-strength unbleached kraft papers for packaging and industrial applications. With an annual capacity of approximately 230,000 tonnes of pulp and 159,000 tonnes of paper, the mill is recognized for manufacturing some of the world's strongest kraft papers.
Nordic Paper and Valmet share a long-standing commitment to keeping the Bäckhammar Mill’s equipment performing at its best. By combining Valmet’s technical expertise with Nordic Paper’s operational insight, the teams work together to mitigate risks, extend equipment lifetime, and secure reliable operation year after year.
Even the most dependable machines eventually reach the end of their service life
During this year’s annual maintenance shutdown, Valmet successfully completed an upgrade on the mill's impregnation vessel system. The scraper and cone, which had been in reliable operation for an impressive 51 years, were replaced as part of the shutdown. At the same time, the outlet device was serviced by Valmet’s local workshop, ensuring safe and reliable operation for many years to come.
"These components had delivered outstanding performance and reliability over decades, but it's inevitable that even the most dependable parts eventually reach the end of their service life. Thanks to the long-term cooperation with Valmet and our mutual commitment to proactive maintenance and upgrades, we have now secured reliable performance of this equipment for years to come. The work was effectively done during the annual shutdown," says Fredrik Karlsson, Maintenance manager at Bäckhammar Mill.
Supporting the customers throughout their equipment lifecycle
This project is an excellent example of Valmet’s lifecycle commitment: supporting customers throughout the entire lifetime of their assets, maximizing reliability, extending equipment life, and helping secure sustainable mill performance.
"In this case, we have been following the equipment condition together with the customer for several years and identified this to be time to replace the scraper and cone the outlet device overhaul. A great example of risk mitigating, and executing the work during the annual shutdown minimized the harm to normal operation of the mill," says Robert Carlström, Product Sales Manager, Cooking & Fiberline at Valmet.
A great team effort by everyone involved, contributing to another successful shutdown and setting the foundation for continued operational excellence at Bäckhammar.
Author: Marianne Valta
Thanks to the long-term cooperation with Valmet and our mutual commitment to proactive maintenance and upgrades, we have now secured reliable performance of this equipment for years to come.