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Hangzhou, Zhejiang province

Hangzhou – capital city of the Chinese Zhejiang province is recognized for its sweet life atmosphere as a resort for former Chinese emperors. Over the years the population has grown and factories formerly installed in the suburbs were forced to move away from the city center. The Hua Feng Group was the first one to move and took advantage of this opportunity to replace its three old paper machines. The first machine designed for different paper types has got the objective to produce cigarette, tipping, plug wrap papers, etc. ; the second is dedicated exclusively to the cigarette papers.

“The constraints of our customer have been expressed according to the real estate program put in place by the City of Hangzhou” explains Jean-Dominique BONFANTI, Technical Director of the ALLIMAND Group. “The total transfer of production was planned on the new site of our customer end of March 2017, i.e. at the time of the shutdown of the last chimney of the coal-fired power plant that produced the steam required for the old site – our customer had to let run the machines in place until the last moment in order to keep an uninterrupted sales capacity. The customer has also pushed to get a quality level ever yet achieved within its group “.

A strategy for sustainable development and public health

The exponential growth of China in recent decades made it a country ranking among the first economic powers in the world, and as such the first worldwide polluter with sulfur dioxide (SO2).

In this context for increased sustainable development, the customer required very strict specifications from the ALLIMAND group, aimed in particular at reducing the rate of carbon emission. The Research & Development department of the group has responded favorably to this technical constraint in presenting technologies with low energy consumption. Public health issues related to the consumption of tobacco in China have pushed the Allimand engineers to design both production lines to manufacture papers with a perfectly controlled porosity. This know-how on the porosity consistency has helped to decrease significantly the rates of tar and carbon monoxide in the smoke of cigarettes made with the papers produced by the 2 machines.

Ergonomics and design: a competitive asset

Highly concerned with the industrial design of the machines of its customers, the ALLIMAND group has managed to customize the safety guards of paper machines with the same colors and logo of the customer in accordance with the graphic charter of Hua Feng mainly in red color. This “final touch” on ALLIMAND machines responds in fact to the objectives of the security criteria optimization associated with the ergonomics of both machines.

A process of training and support to the customer

“The willingness of our Chairman & CEO, Franck RETTMEYER, is to provide ongoing support to our customers during all phases of a project. It has been the case for Hua Feng especially for the auxiliary equipment that they had to purchase” continues Jean-Dominique BONFANTI.

The ALLIMAND Group is thus in a permanent process of support to the customer at several stages. 6 months prior to the delivery of the machine, a delegation of about fifteen people constituted of engineers and supervisors came on ALLIMAND site to receive a theoretical training in dedicated rooms during two weeks. 1 months later, a second delegation (for the second ALLIMAND machine) was given the same training in France.

1 month prior to the delivery a series of practical trainings in the new plant in China -this time- were added to the first theoretical training in order to give the operating staff the ability to work on its own. Of course a simultaneous translation into English and Chinese was ensured by ALLIMAND during these periods of training.
The customer plans to install a total of 6 complete production lines of paper machines on the new site. The ALLIMAND Group can look to the future with confidence on a market that he knows perfectly well.

KEY FIGURES OF THE 2 PAPER MACHINES

Production : A sheet of 3.35 meters wide at 550 m/minute or more i.e. 30 m² of paper per second.

Dimensions of each machine: length = 65 meters; width = 5 meters; height = 12 meters.

Dimensions of each building: length = 150 meters; width = 33 meters; height = 21 meters.

Number of employees on the new site: 300 people.

Continuous adaptability and reactivity

The mechanical assembly (piping and wiring) of the future paper machine, with a width of 2.55 meters and a length of about 100 meters, is almost complete. The ALLIMAND group has demonstrated its ability to manage a turnkey contract.

“For this machine, we have not only had to supply all of the machine auxiliary equipment but also the DCS – Distributed Control System, for which ALLIMAND carried out the programming and the electrical power supply part” explained the two Project Engineers, Christine PIEGAY and Christophe TRIOULEYRE. In addition, adaptations had to be made during the project in order to allow the installation of security control devices linked to security paper-making and in particular to the Euro.

Since January, the phases of parts delivery and machine assembly succeed each other in order to ensure minimum storage on site and optimized machine assembly time. A complete testing phase of the machine will take place in June and manufacturing will start over the summer.

An overall investment of more than 75 million euros

The total investment of the Vic-le-Comte (63) paper mill, in various equipment, covers 75 million euros. The aim of EUROPAFI, the ALLIMAND Group’s customer, is to double the production capacity and to manufacture around 50% of the paper needed for the annual issue of Euro banknotes in Vic-le-Comte. In the long term, the site must supply several printers in the Eurozone.

ALLIMAND INTERWEB

THE ALLIMAND GROUP OFFICIALLY GETS A FOOTHOLD IN THE USA, THANKS TO THE STRATEGIC MERGER AND ACQUISITION OF GLENS FALLS INTERWEB – GFI

A few months ago, the project to acquire a company based in the United States matured…
It’s done! The ALLIMAND Group, a designer and manufacturer of paper and nonwoven machines, has just officially signed the acquisition of GLENS FALLS INTERWEB (GFI), a recognized leader in nonwoven products in the United States. Thanks to its financial base and expertise in the design and building of non-woven paper machines and highly technical processes, the ALLIMAND Group thus consolidates, with the takeover of GFI, its positioning on all nonwoven products on the five continents.

A Strategic Technological Acquisition

“The acquisition of GFI, a company well-known and recognized in the United States as a specialist in high-tech nonwoven products (1), is a development opportunity for ALLIMAND, enabling us to strengthen our technology and know-how on fiberglass or carbon and ceramic veil machines, and therefore reach new customers,” says Franck RETTMEYER, Chairman & CEO of the ALLIMAND Group. This merger is part of the continuity of an order for a nonwoven machine in the United States, delivered in 2016 for a large international group, leader in its market.

A refocusing of activities on nonwoven machines initiated since 2008

2008, marked by the financial crisis, the irreversible development of @ media and communication, the planned slowdown in investment in China and Asia, reinforced the ALLIMAND Group’s decision to refocus on highly value-added paper. In 2010, the investment of a nonwoven pilot machine in the United States enabled ALLIMAND to sign major contracts and complete its portfolio with orders for nonwoven long-fiber machines installed worldwide (Germany, France, Spain, England, United States, China).

The conquest of a new market: the North American continent

Less than 10 miles are currently separating the ALLIMAND Group nonwoven pilot machine from the company GFI INTERWEB, located on the outskirts of the city of Albany, New York State. “This synergy will allow us to conquer new customers and increase the representation of the range of ALLIMAND machines in North America and in Canada,” continues Franck RETTMEYER.

More information: www.allimand.com / www.gfinterweb.com

(1) Non-woven high-tech products: fiberglass materials and sails, carbon fiber webs, ceramic fiber materials, nonwoven synthetic fibers enrich the existing range of ALLIMAND nonwoven products, namely: Liquid filtration (tea bag, coffee pods), car filtration (air, fuel, oil), wipes and hygiene, specialties (overlay, wallpaper, battery separators, high porosity Plug Wrap … etc).

NOUVEAU SITE INTERNET ALLIMAND

ALLIMAND Group undergoes a 360° digital turnaround with the launch of its new website www.allimand.com

Aware of the impact digital marketing and social media have on a company today (communication, marketing, sales, customer relations), the ALLIMAND Group, designer and manufacturer of paper and fiber mat machines since 1850, undergoes a complete digital turnaround with the launch of its new website.

Shaping, structuring the outline of its new corporate strategy, the Group, on the lookout for the latest web 3.0 trends, clearly defines a new vision of the customer relationship.
Focused around the base line “AGILITY FOR…”, ALLIMAND’s new website demonstrates -if needed- its ability to adapt to the market and its customer’s needs in “start-up mode”, that is to say, acting in real time to deal with changes. “Being agile means responding, reacting. Not remaining trapped in the concepts, organization methods and structures of the past: “To think out of the box”. The goal is to always remain in control whatever the circumstances,” argues Fabrice GILET, ALLIMAND Sales Director.

The new website: in response to strong market development

From the home page, the emphasis is put on the ALLIMAND Group’s organization and communication orientated towards excellence and high level expertise and innovation in R&D. “Beyond the objective of presenting a clearer picture of the company’s activity, we hope that every customer can relate to the website and position the ALLIMAND Group as a partner,” he adds. “Optimizing a wider communication towards all market players, whatever their status, function or position in the company, became essential in the context of strengthening our marketing strategy”.

A 360° turnaround for ALLIMAND: refined graphic design, easy and intuitive navigation

Very customer orientated, consistent with the needs of the papermaker, the new website aims to be more accessible. “Paradoxically, given the complexity of our business and the large size of our machines, we sought to simplify things with a clean and clear web design, use of generic visuals and easy and intuitive navigation. The new website is refined, dynamic and reassuring” says Philippe COUDURIER, Industrial Designer and artistic advisor for the design of the website.”

A responsive design, a multilingual website

Professional showcase of high added value products, the website naturally has a responsive design, allowing users to consult on their computers, smartphones and tablets. The site will be translated initially into Spanish and Chinese, and then German and Japanese, to meet the requirements of the main target markets of the Group.

A QUICK INSIGHT INTO THE NEW WEBSITE www.allimand.com

Chiffres clés Ang

MEETINGS OF THE PAPERMAKER’S UNION

AN ENGAGING MEETING

Rejuvenated and revitalized, the Atip convention surprised everyone with its work spaces, technical workshops and conferences led by papermaker and supplier duos. Following the rugby match that took place during the last convention, this year an unforgettable evening was hosted by the Allimand group; a sound and light show, with more than 240 people taking part, an increased participation rate of more than 35%.

The next edition is already scheduled for 2016, the 8th and 9th of November in Grenoble.

4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

INDUSTRY OF THE FUTURE

Prior to the 68th ATIP “the Paper Industry Technical Association” convention 24-26 November – GRENOBLE

INTERVIEW with Franck RETTMEYER, Chairman & CEO of the group ALLIMAND, designer and manufacturer of paper machines (Rives-38)

The upcoming Paper Union meetings bringing together paper makers, suppliers, technical centres and engineering schools (68th ATIP “the Paper Industry Technical Association” convention) will be held in Grenoble from the 24th to the 26th November. In this framework one of the themes which will be discussed is “the industry of the future in view of the 4th industrial revolution: can we access digital progress? Myth or reality?”.

Interview with Franck RETTMEYER, chairman & CEO of the group ALLIMAND, French designer and manufacturer of paper machines in Rives (38) and President of SYMOP, Paper Group.

Today we are going through a transitional period particularly with regards to energy, digital technology, ecology, organization and society in general. It is having an impact on all industrial production activities. As the Chairman of SYMOP, paper machine group, can you tell us what the paper making industry context data is today? What is the demand? What are the challenges?

As a representative of manufacturers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers of the paper making industry (Chairman of SYMOP – paper group), what interests us is to participate in the modernization of the industrial tool for our paper making customers in France, Europe, America, Asia and the rest of the World. An incredible world market where our companies can sell anything, where they want and to who they want. The only restriction being limited geographical areas or local conflicts, wars but also embargoes, a weapon used more and more by the Americans for example. An incredible market is at our, manufacturers and suppliers, disposition owing to the globalization of the market.

This future development will bring with it the following consequences:

• The development of industrial internet and online objects creating a permanent dialogue between customers, manufacturers and suppliers,
• The means of design which are offered to our companies,
• The means of real time control and analysis with therefore improved traceability,
• The management of flows and the balance between production and customer needs,
• Automated production and the development of robots in our factories to carry out part of the production, production storage with autonomous AGVs, the associated software. In 10 years time, 40% of jobs will be carried out by robots instead of humans! A real issue in our society which will have an impact mainly on tertiary jobs such as banks and administrative type public sector jobs,
• Manufacturing using 3D printers, an astonishing tool soon to be within everyone’s reach,
• Maintenance by remote and predictive maintenance systems.

How does the ALLIMAND group position itself? What are the main objectives to be followed in priority? Optimisation of your competitiveness, accessing new markets, new processes…? What is your main objective and allocated budget?

ALLIMAND’s priority is the geographical presence of the group and the development of new products. The budget set aside for these two priorities is between 5 and 10% of our annual turnover depending on the years, which is a lot.

What working method have you put in place concerning the future industrial development plan at ALLIMAND?

Firstly, observation to understand this major change. Secondly, we need to put the necessary measures in place to revolutionise our organisation and order processing capabilities. Our action plan will be developed over a long term period.

What message do you want to send out about the industry of the future? What do you think are the key success factors?

An incredible technological offer is at our companies’ disposition, the most extraordinary lever being hyper connection and robots. The drawback being the evolution of jobs not qualified with hyper automation and connection, a societal problem that could be resolved by a universal subsistence income (a basic allowance given with no conditions) like in Finland. Is society ready to go in this direction, and in particular, France? That’s the question.

EXTRACT OF THE ATIP CONVENTION PROGRAMME (24-26 November GRENOBLE)

25th November:

4pm – 5.45pm: GRENOBLE / ALPEXPO: : Round-table conference held by Jérôme BONALDI: “Industry of the future in view of the 4th industrial revolution”. Can we access digital progress? Myth or reality? Nine perspectives to be explored to push the limits of our industry: doubts or hopes?

7.45pm: RIVES / ALLIMAND: :Official ATIP gala evening with the presence of 250 actors of the French and European papermaking profession and local political representatives.

SOTIPAPIER

ALLIMAND STRENGTHENS ITS PRESENCE IN THE NORTH AFRICAN MARKET BY DELIVERING A NAOS SHOE PRESS TO SOTIPAPIER PAPER MILL, TUNISIA

It was in September 2014 that the Tunisian group SOTIPAPIER placed an order with the company ALLIMAND for the rebuild of the paper machine No. 2 at their mill in Belli.

This order came from the close contact established between the two companies. ALLIMAND had the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the operation of the machine 2 in order to offer SOTIPAPIER a coherent investment project focusing on rebuilding the press section and the dryer part.

For the SOTIPAPIER Group, this investment involved the production capacity expansion for kraft paper, increasing the gross output of the paper machine no 2 and improving its efficiency and overall performance. The good prospects of the kraft paper market in Tunisia and neighboring countries, coupled with the excellent position of SOTIPAPIER in this sector made this investment a major issue for the group. The trust put in ALLIMAND to carry out this project enhanced the expertise of the French Company in the field of wrapping paper and reinforced its cultural and linguistic proximity with its Tunisian production site environment.

To overcome the main bottlenecks of the paper machine and improve its energy efficiency, ALLIMAND undertook a complete rebuild of the press section by streamlining the sheet path, refurbishing some of the existing equipment and by mounting an ALLIMAND NAOS shoe press with a linear pressure of 1200kN/m.

This equipment, ideal for wrapping paper, increases the dryness of the sheet before it is transferred to the dryer section. This reduces sheet breaks and widely optimizes the steam consumption in the dryer part.

With certain existing elements of the dryer part being obsolete and inefficient, ALLIMAND replaced all doctor, siphon and steam box assemblies.

Based on the principle of a turnkey project, this order included, in addition to the reconstruction equipment of the press section and the dryer part, all the necessary auxiliary equipment for the correct running of the machine: hydraulic system, control system, piping, wiring.

The project also included the complete installation of all equipment provided, supervision and start-up as well as comprehensive training to familiarize operators with this totally new equipment.

Another important part of this order involved a large gantry crane which was designed and installed by ALLIMAND to enable the assembly and maintenance of the shoe press. The mass of which, far exceeded the capacity of the existing lifting equipment. A problem such as this is classic in shoe press installation projects on average sized machines situated in old buildings. However the pitfall was entirely solved by ALLIMAND who implemented a comprehensive and reliable solution for the maintenance team, enabling them to operate this new equipment in the best possible conditions.

In June 2015, as scheduled, the machine was stopped 14 days for the installation and commissioning of the equipment supplied, the gantry crane having previously been installed.

The sheet was engaged in the new press section quicker than initially planned. This result reflects the excellent day-to-day cooperation between the SOTIPAPIER and ALLIMAND teams.

After the start up, the optimisation of production conditions was quickly palpable. The average daily speed increased largely due to the higher dry content of the sheet at the outlet of the press section, the increased drying efficiency in the dryer part, but mainly due to the reduced number of paper breaks.

At the same time, the specific steam consumption decreased, this being a direct consequence of the change of siphons and steam boxes and higher dry content.

Following the machine start-up, the SOTIPAPIER operators will now become familiar with the new production requirements, while having the security of being assisted remotely by ALLIMAND specialists if needed. Indeed, a link allows an ALLIMAND control specialist to control all parameters of the new equipment from a distance and perform troubleshooting in the case of anomalies undetected by the mill personnel.

On this basis, the SOTIPAPIER group will strengthen its position on its market and has the target of an identical project for the second paper machine at the Belli mill, the paper machine n° 3.

AMES, NEW SUBSIDIARY IN CHINA

“ALLIMAND SHANGHAI”: OPENING OF THE FIRST SUBSIDIARY OF THE ALLIMAND GROUP IN CHINA

After more than 25 years of presence in China, the ALLIMAND Group has consolidated its foothold in Asia and opened its first subsidiary in China!

Present in China since the late 1980s, the ALLIMAND Group, designer, manufacturer of paper machines for the paper industry, recently officially opened its new subsidiary “ALLIMAND SHANGHAI” managed by Mr. Laurent VILLAIN. This fully independent subsidiary will meet its development ambitions in Asia, given that China represents 30 to 60 % of total turnover, according to order figures….

Strengthening ALLIMAND’s presence in China

“Already more than 20 ALLIMAND complete paper machines are operated on Chinese soil, not to mention rebuilt machines,” explains Franck Rettmeyer, ALLIMAND Chairman & CEO. The opening of the “ALLIMAND SHANGHAI” subsidiary serves several purposes. The first is naturally to assist ALLIMAND’s commercial activity, responding to the increased demand for services required by its customers. «Exchange on site with competent partners is a definite competitive advantage,” says Franck Rettmeyer.

Optimizing the efficiency of ALLIMAND’s services

The second goal is naturally to respond using the local language and professionalize the services offered, through the hiring of senior Chinese interlocutors, trained within the ALLIMAND culture. “Being able to take Chinese orders, especially spare parts and services associated with our paper machines allows us to charge directly in RMB, in response to requests from our customers,” continues Franck Rettmeyer. The team is already on site and consists of five people, including a French paper industry engineer wishing to settle in China with his wife.

Strengthening implantation in a strategic town: Zhejiang Province (Shanghai)

The choice of location remains strategic. ALLIMAND set up it’s new subsidiary in Shanghai because of the considerable establishment of papermakers in this area. This paper “Silicon Valley” gathers all the plants specialized in the production of paper with very high added value.

Complying with Chinese culture, the new ALLIMAND Group offices have all the necessary facilities (auditorium conference rooms, private meeting rooms…) to receive not only Chinese customers, but also foreign prospects that cross China. Contracts initiated by Chinese contractors and others for whom ALLIMAND has the ability to position itself as a potential supplier.

“The coming months and years will allow us to consolidate our presence, to acculturate our Management and to get used to working with foreign subsidiaries,” concluded Franck Rettmeyer, confident about the capacity and the managerial skills of his teams.