Espoo, Finland 10 January 2018 -- A new large volume chip storing system delivered by Valmet has improved the chip feeding into the cooking plant at The Navigator Company's pulp mill located in Figueira da Foz, Portugal. A more homogeneous chip feeding contributes to a stable process afterwards. It is the first chip storing system of GentleStore type that Valmet delivers to Portugal and replaced an existing, high energy consumption, pneumatic conveying system. The storage volume is near to 180,000 m³s.

The new heavy-duty chip storing system is designed to withstand the wind conditions in the coastal area of Atlantic Ocean. It operates on the first-in first-out principle allowing to use 360° circle. The chips are reclaimed gently from the whole cross section of the pile, which ensures excellent blending and homogenization of the chips. It has several features that grants low operation and maintenance costs. The fully automatic storing system including conveyors is integrated with the existing woodyard.

Having an automated system will improve the chip quality and safety, as no bulldozers or front-loaders are used. Less traffic together with minimized chip damage, dust and noise generation will enhance the woodyard operation up to date. The system has been running very well since the start up in May 2017.

"The new GentleStore system is easy and safe to operate. This is an important reference and a great achievement accomplished together with the customer," says Juha Vepsä, Project Manager at Valmet.

"The implementation of this GentleStore is an important effort to reduce the environmental impact of our mill, and it is to be part of a continuous cycle of Navigator as a modern company, concerned about sustainability and recognized for its culture of excellence through its operations and quality of products," underlines Pedro Matos Silva, Figueira da Foz Mill Manager at The Navigator Company.

About the customer The Navigator Company

The Navigator Company is Portugal's third largest exporter of goods. It is the leading European and fourth largest global manufacturer of uncoated woodfree (UWF) printing and writing paper. The Navigator Company is also Europe's top producer of BEKP (Bleached Eucalyptus Kraft Pulp), the fifth largest in the world, and has entered the tissue market.

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 2016 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.