Espoo, Finland 17 February 2016 -- Valmet will supply a paper machine wet end rebuild for the Kirkniemi mill of Sappi Finland Operations Oy in Finland. The start-up of the rebuilt machine is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2016.

The order is included in Valmet's first quarter 2016 orders received. The value of the order is not disclosed. A project of this type and scope is typically valued at approximately EUR 10-15 million.

"We have worked with Valmet for a long time, and the cooperation has been very good. Valmet is familiar with our paper machine and they know its potential. These are important factors when choosing a supplier. We wanted to have a reliable partner with good technical solutions," says Martti Savelainen, Mill Manager from Sappi.

"This new project is the third major rebuild for Sappi (Alfeld PM 2 and Gratkorn PM 11) in just a few years. Our personnel is very familiar with the Kirkniemi machine, and our knowhow on the process and technical solutions are optimal for printing grades. By combining our experience and expertise, we were able to come up with a solution that met the customer's targets well, and we are pleased that Sappi chose Valmet for this rebuild project," says Petri Paukkunen, Vice President, Paper Mills Sales and Marketing, Valmet.

Information about the customer Sappi

Sappi is a global company focused on providing dissolving wood pulp, paper pulp and paper-based solutions to its direct and indirect customer base across more than 100 countries. Sappi produces approximately 5.7 million tons per year of paper, 2.4 million tons per year of paper pulp and 1.3 million tons per year of dissolving wood pulp.

Kirkniemi Mill has been a front runner in developing light-weight publication papers for demanding end-uses. Today, the mill's three paper machines produce coated papers for heat set web offset printing to customers around the world.

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2015 were approximately EUR 2.9 billion. Our 12,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.