Thimm has further developed its corrugated cardboard plant in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate with a comprehensive expansion of the corrugator and the installation of a new conveyor system. This investment in Alzey means that F-flute can now be produced for the first time at a German Thimm site. Additional investments in process automation are planned for the 4Q 2021.
A large part of the Alzey investment package, namely the conversion work on the corrugator, began in May. The previous unit has been replaced by the more modern “Modul Facer” corrugating roll module from BHS Corrugated. This has enabled the maximum production speed of corrugated cardboard to be increased to 350 metres per minute.
This modernisation means that Thimm is now able to produce F-flute in Germany for the first time. F-flute is often used in packaging and display production as a substitute for solid cardboard, aluminium or plastic. Furthermore, use of the f-flute results in more efficient logistics and cost benefits when compared to other flute types. The investment also secures the supply of E, F, B, C and T-flute to the other Thimm plants nearby, along with their combinations as double wall corrugated cardboard.
The modernisation took place during ongoing operation. In autumn, the performance part of the corrugator will be further expanded by converting the dry end and steam system.
A further part of the investment package in Alzey was implemented in the second quarter with the installation of new conveyor belts and chain conveyors from the company Dücker Conveyor Systems which will now form the new buffer section for corrugated cardboard pre-cut pieces on the corrugator. The significant increase in corrugator capacity means that no separate interim storage will be required in the future.
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