WestRock to add linerboard line in South Carolina

Finland-based Valmet has announced it will supply a linerboard production line with a wide automation package for WestRock Co., Norcross, Georgia, at its mill in Florence, South Carolina.

The delivery will include a kraft linerboard machine to replace three older, narrow-width paper machines.

The new machine will produce 644,000 metric tons (710,000 short tons) of kraft linerboard annually. The investment will significantly increase the mill's efficiency, end product quality and service levels, according to Valmet.

“When coupled with the recently completed modern woodyard, the Florence mill will become one of the lowest-cost kraft linerboard mills in North America,” Valmet says in a new release.

The new machine is expected to start up the first half of 2020.

The order, which will not be disclosed, is included in Valmet's first quarter of 2018 orders received, the company says.

Valmet is a global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries.