Metso will expand its global service network by opening a new service center to serve Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A.'s 1.5-million-tonne greenfield pulp mill in Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. The service center will supply roll grinding and other maintenance services, and will have a storage for selected spare parts and consumables. The center will be located in Imperatriz, close to the Maranhão mill, and will be operational in late 2013. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new service center was held in Imperatriz on April 25, 2013.
"This investment is in line with Metso's strategy for services growth. Local support to customers and long-term partnerships bring value both to our customers and Metso," says Jukka Tiitinen, President, Services business line, Pulp, Paper and Power, Metso.
In addition, Metso and Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A. have agreed that Metso will establish mill maintenance for the entire Maranhão mill. With the agreement Metso will take responsibility for the establishment of the mill's maintenance management system and support Suzano in establishing materials management operations. The value of the agreement will not be disclosed.
"We have decided to contract Metso to bring equipment manufacturer's process knowledge and maintenance expertise in establishing maintenance for the Maranhão mill. We expect to have efficient maintenance plans and organization in order to contribute to a reliable start-up and quick learning curve, from the first days of operation," says José Alexandre, Industrial Director, Suzano Papel e Celulose.
All main technology for the Maranhão pulp mill is being supplied by Metso. Metso's scope of supply covers wood handling, cooking plant and fiberline, pulp drying and baling, evaporation, power boiler, recovery boiler, causticizing and lime kiln, and an integrated automation solution for all process areas. The mill is scheduled to start up in the second half of 2013.
Suzano Papel e Celulose is a forestry-based company and one of the largest vertically integrated producers of pulp and paper in Latin America. The company's main products, sold on the domestic and international markets, are eucalyptus pulp, printing and writing paper and paperboard.
