ANDRITZ has received a major order from General Emballage to supply a complete PrimeLine paper production line for a greenfield mill in Naama, Algeria. It will include the widest and highest-capacity paper machine in Africa. Start-up is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028.
The order value is in the low three-digit million euro range. It is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for
the first quarter of 2026.
With this investment, Algeria’s largest corrugated packaging producer is implementing its first paper
production line, which will produce testliner and fluting paper grades. The paper machine will have a
capacity of 350,000 tons per year, a web width of 7.5 meters, and a design speed of 1,200 meters per
minute.
ANDRITZ’s scope comprises the complete paper production line, including stock preparation, winder,
automation and digitalization package, spare and wear parts, and service contracts. The line will be
designed to support General Emballage’s key strategic goals, including minimal fresh water
consumption, high energy efficiency, and maximum plant availability through advanced automation
and digitalization solutions.
Ramdane Batouche, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Emballage, said: “This
investment is a milestone for us, so we were very careful in choosing our partner. ANDRITZ convinced us not only with its outstanding technology, but also with the way it responded to our specific situation and needs. We expect a fruitful and long-term partnership between our two companies.”Gerald Steiner, Senior Vice President Paper & Tissue of ANDRITZ adds: “With this major project, ANDRITZ underscores its commitment to being a reliable, and sustainable partner supplying complete paper production lines to the industry – today and in the future.”
Advanced technology for efficient and sustainable production
The ANDRITZ supply includes state-of-the-art equipment and systems designed to maximize
efficiency, product quality, and sustainability:
- Stock preparation
The stock preparation line is optimized for efficient processing of 100% OCC to provide
consistently high-quality fiber. It enables efficient contaminant removal, optimized fiber
development, and high operational stability, while miminizing specific energy and fresh water
consumption. - Paper machine
The core of the production line is the headbox and gap former concept. ANDRITZ will supply a
two-layer PrimeFlow AT headbox with an accelerating tube design and optimal turbulence control
at minimum energy and water consumption. This will be combined with a PrimeForm TW shoe-
blade gap former designed to deliver excellent mechanical properties of the recycled furnish at
maximum dewatering rate. The scope of supply also includes roll covers and machine clothing. - Automation and digitalization
The line will be equipped with a comprehensive package of solutions to drive efficiency,
sustainability, and operational excellence. The Metris Automation & Digitalization All-in-One
platform provides real-time insight, intelligent control, and data-driven optimization of paper
quality and machine performance. The scope also includes an advanced operator training
simulator, Procemex systems for quality assurance and material tracking, high-performance NAF
control valves, and a fully integrated distributed control system (DCS). Together, these
technologies transform operational data into actionable intelligence, enabling reliable operation
and a future-ready production line.
Photo/Andritz
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