Turkish paper producer Aquakraft Kağıt ve Ambalaj and Voith have signed a contract for a comprehensive rebuild of the paper machine and stock preparation at Aquakraft’s Ferizli mill, located around 170 kilometers east of Istanbul.
“With this rebuild, we are preparing our paper machine for the next stage of growth,” says Bekir Yemsen, general manager at Aquakraft. “Our goal is to significantly increase capacity, broaden our product portfolio while at the same time reducing energy consumption. Based on our positive experience with Voith in the past and their standing as a market leader for complex rebuilds, they are the best partner to support us with this project.”
The rebuild is designed to substantially modernize the existing production line and enable a production capacity increase of around 60 percent. At the same time, it will allow Aquakraft to produce a wider range of containerboard and kraft paper grades, strengthening its market position, flexibility and profitability. Voith’s scope of supply focuses on upgrades along the entire production line that directly support these goals:
In stock preparation, the rebuild of the existing recycled fiber line focuses on improved detrashing based on the BluePulp concept, a new coarse and fine screening system equipped with IntegraScreens and highly efficient C-bar Vertecs screen baskets as well as heavy weight cleaning based on Voith’s InduraCleaner-Technology. Existing equipment will be upgraded and integrated into a new line for bleached and unbleached kraft pulp. To provide the mill with the necessary process water qualities and regain fibres Aquakraft will rely on Voith’s InfiltraDiscfilter technology.
On the paper machine, the rebuild includes a modernized approach flow system and the implementation of a new two-ply forming concept, featuring a high-performance MasterJet 4Tec headbox and TopFormer F configuration with DuoShake DG800 shaking unit. A revamped press section with NipcoFlex shoe press technology will further enhance paper quality, runability and resource efficiency. Additional upgrades in the dryer and end sections will improve operational safety, reliability and overall line performance.
Following the rebuild, the paper machine will produce Corrugating Medium, Testliner, High Performance Testliner and White Top Liner grades in a basis weight range from 80 to 200 g/m², with a design speed of up to 1,200 m/min. Start-up is scheduled for Q4 2027.
The machine was originally supplied by Voith in 1992 as Zanders PM 3 in Moenchengladbach, Germany and relocated to Turkey in 2025. After successfully starting up and producing first commercial containerboard in September 2025, Aquakraft decided to further develop the line together with Voith.
“The rebuild extends the lifetime of the existing asset while bringing performance, product quality and energy efficiency to state-of-the-art levels,” says Philip Schnellinger, senior technology manager at Voith Paper. “It perfectly shows how customized rebuilds can drive sustainable growth and lasting competitiveness in a tough market. We are excited to starting a long-term collaboration.”
The project highlights Voith Paper’s expertise in delivering customized rebuild solutions worldwide and supporting papermakers in their continuous development of sustainable and efficient paper production operations.
