Voith to Modernize Aquakraft Containerboard Mill in Turkey with Major PM 2 Rebuild Project

Voith to Modernize Aquakraft Containerboard Mill in Turkey with Major PM 2 Rebuild Project

(IN BRIEF) Voith will modernize the PM 2 containerboard production line at Aquakraft Kağıt ve Ambalaj’s Ferizli mill in Turkey through a comprehensive rebuild project scheduled for completion in 2027. The upgrade is expected to increase production capacity by around 60 percent while improving energy efficiency and expanding the mill’s product portfolio. The modernization will include major upgrades to stock preparation systems, recycled fibre processing, paper machine technology and production efficiency systems. Following completion, the mill will be capable of producing several containerboard and kraft paper grades at speeds of up to 1,200 meters per minute. The project continues a long-term collaboration between Aquakraft and Voith focused on sustainable and efficient paper production development.

(PRESS RELEASE) FERIZLI / HEIDENHEIM, 7-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Voith has secured a contract from Turkish paper producer Aquakraft Kağıt ve Ambalaj to carry out a comprehensive rebuild of the paper machine and stock preparation systems at Aquakraft’s PM 2 containerboard mill in Ferizli, Turkey. The large-scale modernization project is expected to significantly expand production capacity, improve energy efficiency and broaden the mill’s product range.

The Ferizli mill, located approximately 170 kilometers east of Istanbul, will undergo extensive upgrades across the entire production line through 2027. According to the companies, the rebuild is designed to increase production capacity by around 60 percent while enabling the facility to manufacture a wider variety of containerboard and kraft paper products.

Bekir Yemsen said the investment represents the next stage of growth for the company and is intended to strengthen Aquakraft’s market position while lowering energy consumption. He added that the company selected Voith due to previous positive cooperation and the company’s reputation for delivering complex rebuild projects within the paper industry.

The modernization programme covers both stock preparation and paper machine systems. Within stock preparation, the rebuild will focus on improving recycled fibre processing using Voith’s BluePulp concept, alongside installation of new coarse and fine screening systems equipped with IntegraScreens and C-bar Vertec screen baskets. Heavy contaminant removal will also be enhanced through the implementation of InduraCleaner technology.

Existing equipment at the mill will additionally be integrated into a new production line capable of handling both bleached and unbleached kraft pulp. To improve process water management and fibre recovery, Aquakraft will also implement Voith’s InfiltraDiscfilter technology.

On the paper machine side, the project includes a redesigned approach flow system and the introduction of a new two-ply forming concept featuring a MasterJet 4Tec headbox and TopFormer F configuration combined with a DuoShake DG800 shaking unit. Voith will also modernize the press section with NipcoFlex shoe press technology to improve paper quality, machine runability and resource efficiency.

Further upgrades are planned across the dryer and finishing sections to improve operational reliability, production safety and overall machine performance.

Following completion of the rebuild, the PM 2 line will be capable of producing multiple containerboard grades including Corrugating Medium, Testliner, High Performance Testliner and White Top Liner products in basis weights ranging from 80 to 200 grams per square meter. The upgraded machine is designed to operate at speeds of up to 1,200 meters per minute. Start-up of the rebuilt line is planned for the fourth quarter of 2027.

The paper machine originally began operations in Germany in 1992 as Zanders PM 3 in Mönchengladbach before being relocated to Turkey in 2025. After successfully beginning commercial containerboard production in September 2025, Aquakraft decided to continue developing the asset through a broader modernization partnership with Voith.

Philip Schnellinger said the project demonstrates how customized rebuild solutions can extend the operational life of existing paper production assets while simultaneously improving energy efficiency, product quality and long-term competitiveness.

The project further highlights Voith Paper’s role as a global supplier of paper production technologies and customized rebuild solutions designed to help manufacturers modernize facilities and improve sustainability within the paper and packaging industry.

About the Voith Group
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport. Founded in 1867, Voith today has around 21,000 employees, sales of € 4.8 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and thus is one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

About Voith Paper
The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services and products on the market and offers paper manufacturers holistic solutions from one source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and helps customers minimize their carbon footprint. With its leading automation products and digitalization solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, Voith offers its customers state-of-the-art digital technologies to improve plant availability and efficiency for all sections of the production process.

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SOURCE: Voith