Voith Unveils Compact Prevo Retrofit for Safer, Faster Tail Threading on Existing Presses

Voith Unveils Compact Prevo Retrofit for Safer, Faster Tail Threading on Existing Presses

(IN BRIEF) Voith has rolled out a compact Prevo retrofit for press‑to‑dryer tail threading, tailored to paper machines with constrained space. Already installed on PM 5 at Metsä Greaseproof Papers in Düren, the system automates the two‑step transfer—using blowpipe technology and a deflection arm—to enhance safety and reduce downtime. The modular unit fits smaller presses without major modifications. Voith also offers global service packages, including annual inspections and parts replacement, which typically pay for themselves in production gains after one day.

(PRESS RELEASE) HEIDENHEIM/DÜREN, 16-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Voith has introduced a new, space‑saving Prevo retrofit solution for press‑to‑dryer tail threading, now compatible with existing paper machines that have limited installation room. With over 1,000 global installations, Voith’s Prevo family is renowned for automating the sheet transfer process safely and efficiently. The latest compact design brings these benefits to smaller presses, eliminating manual intervention and boosting both safety and uptime.

One of the first installations of this streamlined Prevo system is on PM 5 at Metsä Greaseproof Papers GmbH in Düren. There, the specialty paper line—producing some 40,000 tons of greaseproof paper annually—now features the new transfer unit that pneumatically lifts the sheet tail from the press cylinder and hands it off to the dryer section using a precision deflection arm.

Key benefits at Metsä Düren include:

• Enhanced safety: Mechanical pickup replaces manual threading, reducing operator risk.
• Accelerated threading: Faster tail transfer minimizes downtime, maximizing production availability.
• Compact footprint: The retrofit module fits into tight press environments without major rebuilds.

“Prevo’s automated tail threading has significantly improved our operational safety—our top priority—and the swift threading cycles have virtually eliminated related downtime,” said Tim Godesberg, Production Manager at Metsä in Düren.

In action, the Prevo solution executes two coordinated steps after a sheet break or shutdown: first, blowpipe technology peels the tail from the press roll and propels it toward the dryer; second, a pivoting arm captures the web and transfers it onto the dryer ropes. This hands‑free sequence is both faster and safer than traditional methods.

“Drawing on decades of tail‑threading expertise, our new compact retrofit expands Prevo’s applicability to smaller machines,” explained Sebastian Meuthen, Global Product Manager at Voith. “Plus, our global service team ensures peak performance and safety year‑round, often recouping service costs within a single day of production.”

Voith’s end‑to‑end offering includes annual maintenance, inspections, parts replacement, and process optimization to keep every Prevo installation operating at full capacity. For more details, visit voith.com/corpen/papermaking/tail-threading-and-cutting.html.

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 & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 22,000 employees, sales of € 5.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus 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.

Media Contact:

Tamara Lemm
Junior Manager Global Communication Voith Paper
Tel: +49 7321 37 9940

SOURCE: Voith