Espoo, Finland 28 December 2016 -- Valmet will supply an automation system for Kemira's new sodium chlorate production line under construction in Joutseno, Finland. The automation system will control the production process and ensure its reliable operation.

The order was included in Valmet's third quarter 2016 orders received. The system will be delivered in April 2017.

"The choice of a supplier was influenced by various factors, such as the skills of our staff, life-cycle stages of our present systems and integration synergies with them, as well as the expected lifetime costs. Additionally, the reliability of our present systems supported the choice," says Tony Granqvist, Electrical Automation Manager, Kemira.

"We have cooperated closely with Kemira's Joutseno plant since the early 1990s. The plant has Valmet automation systems that we have expanded and upgraded over the years to meet its automation needs," notes Kari Karppinen, Sales Director, Automation business line, Valmet.

The new chlorate production unit is expected to be in operation during the fourth quarter of 2017. Sodium chlorate is the raw material for chlorine dioxide (ClO2), which is produced on-site at the pulp mills and is the primary bleaching agent for kraft pulp.

Valmet will deliver a Valmet DNA automation and information management system for the new production line. The delivery will include installation, commissioning and also training.

Information about the customer Kemira

Kemira is a global chemicals company serving customers in water-intensive industries. It provides expertise, application know-how and chemicals that improve its customers' water, energy and raw material efficiency. The company's focus is on pulp & paper, oil & gas, mining and water treatment. In 2015, Kemira had annual revenue of EUR 2.4 billion and around 4,700 employees. Kemira shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2015 were approximately EUR 2.9 billion. Our 12,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.