KAUSALA - Finnish nonwovens manufacturer SharpCell is to install an airlaid nonwoven paper machine at its facility in Valkeakoski, Finland, doubling the company’s airlaid production capacity and strengthening its position in the market.
The production line has been purchased from Ascutec Sales & Co. in Germany, who operated the system for two years at its site in Nürnberg.
The machine was originally built in 2020 by Finnish company Anpap Oy and will be installed in PM6 building at the UPM Tervasaari site in Valkeakoski.
“This acquisition will give us much needed capacity to service our customers both in Finland and abroad,” said Pekka Pollari, CEO of SharpCell Oy.
“We are investing in additional modern and eGicient technology to minimise our carbon footprint and ensure eGicient production of high-quality airlaid nonwoven paper.”
SharpCell is leasing the PM6 building from UPM. In addition, UPM is selling services, e.g. steam, wastewater treatment and compressed air, required to operate the paper machine in Tervasaari. UPM is not involved in SharpCell’s operations beyond providing these services.
During the transition period SharpCell and Ascutec say they will work closely together to satisfy customers’ needs for high quality airlaid nonwoven. The machine is projected to start in the fourth quarter of 2025.
“We are excited to return a traditional paper machine building in its intended use,” added Risto Pollari, VP business development of SharpCell.
SharpCell is a Finnish family-owned business producing airlaid nonwovens for tabletop, hygiene and wiping applications. Its modern airlaid nonwoven production facility is located in Kausala, South Finland with an annual production capacity of 12,000 tons per year. The products are mainly exported throughout Europe to brand owners and converters of premium napkins, wipes and personal hygiene products
