ANDRITZ Secures Major Contract to Deliver High-Capacity Paper Production Line for General Emballage in Algeria

Representatives of General Emballage and ANDRITZ at the contract signing for the new paper production line in Naama, Algeria

(IN BRIEF) ANDRITZ has been awarded a major contract by General Emballage to build a full-scale PrimeLine paper production facility in Naama, Algeria, marking the packaging company’s entry into paper manufacturing. The project will deliver Africa’s widest and most productive paper machine, capable of producing 350,000 tonnes annually. Designed with advanced technologies for efficiency, sustainability, and automation, the line will process recycled materials and optimize water and energy use. Scheduled to start operations in late 2028, the investment represents a major industrial milestone for both companies and supports long-term growth and sustainability in the region’s packaging and paper sector.

(PRESS RELEASE) GRAZ, 23-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — ANDRITZ has secured a significant contract from General Emballage to deliver a complete PrimeLine paper production system for a new greenfield mill in Naama, Algeria. The facility will feature the widest and highest-capacity paper machine on the African continent, with commissioning planned for the fourth quarter of 2028. The contract, valued in the low three-digit million euro range, has been recorded in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026.

The investment marks a major step for General Emballage, Algeria’s leading corrugated packaging producer, as it enters paper manufacturing for the first time. The new production line will focus on testliner and fluting grades, with an annual capacity of 350,000 tonnes. It will operate with a web width of 7.5 meters and reach speeds of up to 1,200 meters per minute, positioning it among the most advanced and productive installations in the region.

ANDRITZ’s delivery will cover the entire production process, including stock preparation systems, the paper machine, winder, automation and digitalization technologies, as well as spare parts and service agreements. The design of the line aligns with General Emballage’s long-term strategy, prioritizing reduced water consumption, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced operational reliability through advanced automation.

Ramdane Batouche described the project as a transformative milestone, emphasizing the careful partner selection process and confidence in ANDRITZ’s technological expertise and tailored approach. Gerald Steiner highlighted the project as a demonstration of ANDRITZ’s commitment to delivering sustainable, high-performance paper production solutions and maintaining long-term partnerships within the industry.

The stock preparation system will be optimized to process 100% OCC (old corrugated containers), ensuring consistent fiber quality while minimizing energy use and freshwater consumption. Advanced contaminant removal and fiber treatment technologies will support stable and efficient operations.

At the heart of the facility will be a high-performance paper machine built around a headbox and gap former configuration. The system will include a two-layer PrimeFlow AT headbox with an accelerating tube design and optimized turbulence control, combined with a PrimeForm TW shoe-blade gap former designed to maximize dewatering efficiency and enhance the mechanical properties of recycled fibers. Additional components such as roll covers and machine clothing will also be supplied.

The line will be supported by a comprehensive automation and digitalization suite, including the Metris All-in-One platform, which provides real-time monitoring, intelligent control, and data-driven optimization of production processes. Additional systems include an operator training simulator, Procemex solutions for quality control and tracking, high-performance NAF control valves, and a fully integrated distributed control system, all working together to ensure reliable, efficient, and future-ready operations.

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.

ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries, including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, environmental, and others. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in Austria, the publicly listed group employs about 30,000 people at 280 locations in over 80 countries.

As a global leader in technology and innovation, ANDRITZ is committed to fostering progress that benefits customers, partners, employees, society, and the environment. The company’s growth is driven by sustainable solutions enabling the green transition, advanced digitalization for highest industrial performance, and comprehensive services that maximize the value of customers’ plants over their entire life cycle. ANDRITZ. FOR GROWTH THAT MATTERS.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER
ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation.

The product portfolio also includes boilers for power generation, various nonwoven technologies, and panelboard (MDF) production systems. With waste-to-value recycling, shredding and energy solutions, waste and by-product streams from production are converted into valuable secondary raw materials as well as into sustainable resources for energy generation. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.

Media Contact:

Media Relations
press@press.andritz.com

SOURCE: ANDRITZ