Following the contract announced in 2025, Voith has successfully started up PM 19 at Wuzhou Specialty Paper. The paper machine is the first worldwide to operate with Voith’s DuoCentri NipcoFlex press with center belt. The solution has now moved from development to commercial opera-tion and has already demonstrated stable production and reliable web runnability.
The new press concept enables, for the first time, closed full‑width web threading from the press directly into the drying section. This eliminates the open‑draw at the center roll, a long‑standing weak point of conventional press designs. As a result, PM 19 benefits from faster and safer threading, fewer web breaks and reduced mechani-cal stress on critical components.
One technology addressing long-standing operational challenges
Open‑draw threading in the center roll area has traditionally caused instability in high‑speed paper machines. Operators often face diffi-cult and time‑consuming threading, increased risk of web breaks, nip paper jaming, premature doctor blade wear and damage to the cen-ter roll surface. In extreme cases, these effects can even lead to se-vere equipment failures.
The DuoCentri NipcoFlex press with center belt fundamentally re-moves these risks by keeping the web fully supported. Operational experience at PM 19 confirms clear improvements in threading relia-bility, overall runnability and occupational safety, while extending the lifetime of doctor blades and the center roll.
Integrated system approach ensures smooth start-up
For PM 19, Voith delivered a complete system package tailored to the specific requirements of Wuzhou Specialty Paper. The scope included one SpeedSizer, two OnQuality quality control systems, the machine control system, ProRelease Plus stabilizer, key approach flow compo-nents, start‑up clothing and fabrics, as well as on‑site start‑up sup-port from approach flow to reel. This integrated approach enabled a smooth transition from commissioning to stable production.
“Over the years, Wuzhou Specialty Paper and Voith Paper have main-tained a strong, mutually supportive partnership”, says Zhang Yan-chen, Deputy General Manager at Wuzhou Specialty Paper Group. For PM 19, Voith once again delivered reliable, stable equipment along with professional and dedicated services, further enhancing the op-erational stability and production efficiency of the machine. This is perfectly aligned with Wuzhou Specialty Paper’s commitment to the principles of ‘Integrity and Craftsmanship’ as we dedicate ourselves to advancing the paper industry. We look forward to continued col-laboration and future successes.”
The successful start up of PM 19 marks an important milestone in the technical collaboration between Voith and Wuzhou Specialty Paper. It also confirms the practical benefits of the DuoCentri NipcoFlex press with center belt as a future ready solution for high performance paper machines.
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. Founded in 1867, Voith today has around 21,000 employees, sales of € 4.8 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and thus is one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.
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.
