ANDRITZ and Powerhouse Controls, a leading provider of drive systems, have entered into a partnership to address the need of North American paper mills to modernize their paper machine drive systems while minimizing production downtime.

The partnership combines Powerhouse Controls' drive solutions with ANDRITZ's extensive paper machine engineering expertise to provide customers with a tailored and comprehensive solution to their coordinated drive system challenges.

"Our partnership with Powerhouse Controls provides the North American paper industry with a team that has the proven ability to implement manufacturer-independent drive system projects within tight downtime windows," says Stephan Keuschnigg-Zingl, Global Vice President Pulp and Paper Automation and Digitalization, ANDRITZ GROUP.

North American papermakers are challenged with modernizing their paper machines while minimizing production losses due to downtime. The team of experts from ANDRITZ and Powerhouse Controls can modernize machines during planned shutdowns and, if necessary, one section at a time. Powerhouse Controls' in-house design and manufacturing capabilities provide custom cabinets with drive systems in compliance with UL and CSA standards. ANDRITZ contributes its process knowledge and engineering capabilities for the detailed engineering and special scheduling required for short downtimes.

"Powerhouse Controls is excited to partner with ANDRITZ to address the growing need to modernize drive systems in the North American market. By working together, we can better manage short downtime modernizations to improve production and reliability," adds Neil Nicholson, CEO of Powerhouse Controls.

The collaboration between ANDRITZ and Powerhouse Controls is a transformative step towards optimizing manufacturing. Through this agreement, ANDRITZ and Powerhouse Controls are focused on improving customer reliability and machine uptime with an integrated solution.