Stora Enso chooses ABB to supply sectional drive systems for Oulu mill in Finland, where company is converting former paper line into consumer board line for folding boxboard, coated unbleached kraft; production on new converted machine to start in 2025

• ABB providing equipment and expertise to Stora Enso’s line conversion project at its Oulu mill
• Sectional drive system will enable the high availability and productivity requirements at this high-volume production site
• New solution also ensures compliance with the latest machinery safety requirements

Stora Enso, a leading global provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials and wooden constructions, has selected ABB for supplying sectional drive systems for their Oulu mill in Northern Finland, where their former paper line will be converted into a consumer board line for folding box board and coated unbleached kraft.

In 2021, when Stora Enso converted their first machine from paper to kraftliner at the Oulu site, ABB supplied a comprehensive drive system package. Now, with the second line conversion the total annual capacity across the site will increase by 750,000 metric tons, reaching 1,200,000 metric tons of board once the new machine comes online.

The scope of supply for the new project includes liquid and air cooled ACS880 Multidrives and motors for the board production line, the PMC800 Drive Control System – based on ABB's latest automation technology – and a machine directive-compliant Safety PLC solution for the sectional drives system.

“We’re excited to be supporting the Oulu mill on such an important project, one that also aligns closely to the company’s sustainability commitments,” said Niko Lahtinen, Paper Machine Drives Business Driver, Process Industries, ABB. “Our earlier experience with Stora Enso – particularly around drive systems and drive controls – coupled with our consultative expertise are a good starting point for the project. We are thrilled with the trust and value Stora Enso has placed in our approach and solutions.”

Production on the new converted machine is estimated to start during 2025.

ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps customers in process, hybrid and maritime industries improve performance and safety of operations, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. go.abb/processautomation

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.