GrandBay Papelera Internacional started up a double-width AHEAD 2.2L tissue machine supplied by Toscotec at its Rio Hondo Zacapa site in Guatemala. The new PM7 line will add over 60,000 tons to the mill's annual production capacity.

The GrandBay Group has recently signed with Toscotec to install a second AHEAD 2.2 tissue line (PM5) at Papeles Nacionales' Pereira facility in Colombia. Toscotec will supply the PM5 line as a turnkey operation scheduled to come online in 2024.

High performance and optimal energy efficiency
The AHEAD 2.2L machine (PM7) has a sheet trim width of 5,500 mm, a design speed of 2,200 m/min, and it is designed to deliver the maximum possible drying efficiency with the lowest energy consumptions. It is equipped with a shoe press of the upgraded design TT NextPress, a third-generation TT SYD Steel Yankee Dryer, and high efficiency TT Hood. Toscotec's patented TT SAF^® DD (Short Approach Flow system with Double Dilution) ensures efficient stock dilution in two steps resulting in a significant reduction of electrical energy consumption.

"This is the first tissue line supplied by Toscotec that we have installed, and we are very satisfied with the project outcome" says Alberto Matos, GrandBay Project Engineering Manager. "The cooperation with Toscotec was very positive throughout the entire project. The start-up went very smoothly, and the machine is producing high quality tissue. We expect it to quickly achieve good runnability and high energy efficiency."

Pier Paolo Brunazzi, Toscotec Project Manager, says, "The partnership with the GrandBay Group is strategical for Toscotec, and we have been very much focused on achieving our common goal. We faced together the current worldwide shipment issues and managed to overcome associated delays with a strong effort from both parties. Today, it is a great satisfaction to see another one of Toscotec's machine successfully started up in the Latin America market where in last few years I personally managed three new tissue line projects."
 
About Papelera Internacional S.A.
Papelera Internacional is part of the GrandBay Group, a leading Latin American company established in 1953, dedicated to the manufacturing, conversion and sales of personal care, and home products of premium quality with presence in more than 25 countries in Central America, the Andean, and Caribbean region.