Sep 10, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. The Cham Paper Group's transformation process is progressing more rapidly than expected. As the Group announced, by April 2013 it will be ready to commence production of speciality papers for the tobacco industry, which are currently produced in Cham, at the Italian site in Carmignano and distribute the papers from there. The extensive tests on coating machines in Cham using externally produced raw papers are also proceeding with success and will be concluded by early 2013, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network. These are needed to produce 'digital imaging' and 'BARnamic' speciality papers, which will also see future production in Switzerland. The second paper machine in Cham will therefore be decommissioned by March/April 2013. The development and sales teams are systematically preparing themselves for the completion of the transformation and the new direction that the Group will be taking in spring 2013. The market has thus far responded well to the changes announced. In August 2012, the Board of Directors assigned management the task of planning a new innovation and coating centre, located away from the current company site, in or around Cham. On 1 September 2012, Marcello di Giacomo took up his role as the new site manager at Carmignano, also becoming a member of the Management Board at the same time. From April 2013, the Carmignano site will become the most important production facility in the Cham Paper Group and the backbone of an efficiency-oriented production and logistics platform in the eurozone. Cham Paper Group is a leading manufacturer of coated speciality papers. Founded in 1657, at its three locations in Switzerland and Italy the company develops and manufactures speciality papers for use in the consumer goods, industrial release and digital imaging sectors.