Valmet has announced a pivotal agreement to provide its advanced IQ Quality Control System (QCS) to Grupo Penha S.A.’s packaging plant located in Itapira, São Paulo, Brazil, aiming to address persistent issues related to moisture control and sheet warping in their production processes. This strategic order was part of Valmet’s acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2024, with the implementation slated for the third quarter of 2025. The collaboration marks an essential entry for Valmet into the Brazilian and greater American corrugated board market, leveraging its extensive expertise in pulp and paper quality control.
Advanced Technological Solutions for Moisture and Warp Control
A key element of the installation includes a robust combination of three scanners, a moisturizer system, as well as automatic warp control and moisture profiling designed to enhance sheet quality. Central to this setup is the Valmet IQ Warp Measurement System, renowned for its effectiveness in monitoring warp throughout the production process. Additionally, the inclusion of Valmet IQ Single-Sided Scanners equipped with IR Moisture Measurements, Valmet IQ Scanner S with IR Moisture, and MW Total Moisture sensors ensures comprehensive moisture profiling and monitoring. The IQ Moisturizer, equipped with four spray beams, is tailored to work synergistically with the measurement systems to achieve optimal moisture cross-direction (CD) profiling and effective warp management.
Moreover, the integrated automation system features IQ Reporting, allowing for extensive data collection and analysis. This comprehensive system is expected to alleviate the moisture and sheet warping challenges that Grupo Penha has been grappling with, leading to improved productivity and product quality. Valmet’s holistic approach to quality control promises to significantly enhance the operational efficiency of Grupo Penha’s manufacturing processes by addressing both immediate and long-term issues related to climatic variability in Brazil.
Strategic Collaboration and Industry Implications
For Valmet, this collaboration represents a significant milestone expanding its footprint in the corrugated board sector within Brazil and across the Americas. The project reflects Valmet’s commitment to leveraging its global experience to deliver advanced quality management solutions tailored to specific industry needs. Rodrigo Godoy, Project Manager at Grupo Penha, expressed optimism regarding the Valmet system’s potential to resolve chronic production issues, explicitly highlighting its capabilities in boosting operational efficiency. This sentiment was echoed by Angelo Leite da Silva and Mikko Talonen from Valmet, who emphasized the project’s importance in establishing Valmet as a key player in the American corrugated board market.
Ultimately, the partnership between Valmet and Grupo Penha underscores a strategic approach focused on integrating cutting-edge technology to optimize production processes and elevate product quality. As Grupo Penha endeavors to address long-standing production challenges, Valmet provides a tailored and innovative QCS solution designed to maximize production efficiency. This project not only represents a significant step forward for both companies but also sets a precedent for future technological collaborations in the packaging industry.
Future Prospects and Industry Evolution
Valmet has entered a key agreement to supply its state-of-the-art IQ Quality Control System (QCS) to Grupo Penha S.A.’s packaging plant in Itapira, São Paulo, Brazil. This move aims to resolve ongoing moisture control and sheet warping issues in their production line. This significant order was part of Valmet’s acquisitions in the last quarter of 2024, with the system set to be installed by the third quarter of 2025. This partnership is crucial for Valmet as it marks an important entry into the Brazilian and broader American corrugated board markets. By leveraging its vast expertise in pulp and paper quality control, Valmet aims to enhance the efficiency and product quality of Grupo Penha’s operations. This collaboration not only exemplifies Valmet’s commitment to fostering innovation in production processes but also highlights the company’s strategic expansion into new markets. This initiative will likely set new standards for quality and reliability in the packaging industry across South America and beyond.
