Slitter Management Program enhances Hellefoss operations

Hellefoss Book Paper AS mill in Norway produces around 50,000 tonnes of high-bulk book paper annually. 

Located along the river in Hokksund, Norway, Hellefoss Book Paper AS has a long history dating back to 1898, when it began as a mechanical pulp mill. Today, the mill produces around 50,000 tonnes of high-bulk book paper annually, running their paper machine PM1 at 600 m/min, with a web width of 3,800 mm and basis weights ranging from 55–90 gsm. Hellefoss is part of the same ownership as Vafos Pulp AS, and together they operate under Hellevad Holding AS.

With around 100 employees, the site focuses on delivering paper primarily to markets in Turkey, Italy, and Germany. Their integrated spruce groundwood pulp production ensures a consistent and high-quality fiber source. 

The challenge: dust, downtime and worn equipment

In 2024, Hellefoss was facing growing challenges from worn-out top slitter holders and insufficient in-house grinding capabilities.

We had too much rewinder downtime, and the time spent on top slitter changes was slowing us down. For optimal performance and clean cuts, it’s critical to maintain sharp top slitters, and to achieve that, we contacted Valmet for a solution.

Øistein Vedahl, Head of Operations at Hellefoss Book Paper AS, comments.

In addition, the slitting process caused a lot of dust. The dust levels are measured several times a week, and they were a particular concern – not only from a product quality perspective but also for working environment standards.

With around 100 employees, the site focuses on delivering paper primarily to markets in Turkey, Italy, and Germany.

The solution: Valmet Slitter Management Agreement

After discussing the issue with Valmet, Hellefoss decided to initiate cooperation with Valmet with a two-year slitter management agreement including leased slitters, superfinishing sharpening, logistics and inventory control. In addition, Valmet delivered nine Valmet Slitter Holder Quick Change with adapters. The delivery included full design, assembly drawings and spare parts lists. The installation took place during a one-day maintenance shutdown in February 2025, and it was completed with training for mill operators.  

The implementation was carried out smoothly and on schedule, thanks to close collaboration between the Hellefoss team and Valmet experts including Peter Lindgren and Peter Frelander and the entire Slitter Management Program (SMP) team.

“Peter is highly skilled. One of the great things about Valmet is that there’s always someone who knows this inside out in a specific area – and you can always get help,” says Øistein Vedahl

Immediate results: efficiency, speed, safety and quality

The new system has dramatically improved the operational performance at Hellefoss mill. The top slitter change times have reduced significantly, and the top slitter lifetime is now 5 to 6 times longer than before. The edge sharpness and cutting quality have improved noticeably, and the dust generation has been reduced. Overall, the rewinder efficiency has improved with less downtime. 

“Changing the top slitters with the new Quick Change solution from Valmet is very easy and fast”, says Björn Rönning, Machine Operator at Hellefoss.

With this investment, Hellefoss has not only improved its slitting efficiency and paper quality but also strengthened their workplace safety and sustainability.

The cooperation with the customer went very well. Everything on their side worked perfectly and was completed on time. We received all the necessary support and information both before and during the installation.

It is always a pleasure when we can help to improve a customer's winder operation and the quality of their rolls, says Peter Frelander