2026-09-17 Voith and Sun Paper Set New Benchmark as PM 47 Reaches 1,400 m/min in Just 10 Days

Yanzhou, China, September 17, 2026. Voith has successfully started up PM 47, a new packaging paper machine supplied to Sun Paper at its Yanzhou production site in Shandong Province, China. With a wire width of 8.66 meters and an annual design capacity of 700,000 tons, PM 47 achieved its maximum operating speed of 1,400 m/min only 10 days after start-up, making it among the fastest-running multi-fourdrinier packaging paper machines worldwide.

The project progressed from civil construction to first reel in just 11 months and 8 days, while ramping up to its maximum operating speed only 10 days after start-up. These achievements reflect the combination of Voith’s full-line technology and the close collaboration between the project teams of Voith and Sun Paper.

The startup of PM 47 further strengthens the more than 20-year partnership between Voith and Sun Paper, a collaboration that has delivered numerous successful paper production projects and industry benchmarks.

"The PM 47 project has set a new record for wide, high-speed packaging paper machines of this type. This success was driven by the strong collaboration between both teams, who worked in parallel shifts throughout installation and commissioning with around-the-clock responsiveness. It is a perfect combination of Sun Paper's execution speed and Voith's technology and expertise." says Ying Guangdong, Deputy General Manager and Chief Engineer, Sun Paper Co., Ltd.

1,400 m/min: Full-Line Technology Supports Record Performance

Voith delivered PM 47 as a full-line supplier. The scope of delivery included the OCC stock preparation system, the UKP virgin fiber system, wet-end process systems, the paper machine from headbox to reel, as well as automation and digitalization technologies.

A key component of the project is the OCC line, designed for a capacity of 2,200 tons per day, making it among the highest-capacity OCC lines in Asia. The system also features Voith’s IntensaPulper, among the world’s highest-capacity low-consistency pulpers, enabling reliable and efficient raw material processing under large-scale production conditions.

The production line is equipped with Voith’s advanced automation and digital solutions, including MCS, QCS, OnCare.CM and MillOne, covering process control, quality management, condition monitoring and production data management. The MillOne platform provides a centralized environment for production data visualization and analysis.

In addition, permanent magnet motor technology has been extensively applied throughout the stock preparation process, helping reduce energy consumption and further improve operational efficiency.

Record-Fast Start-up and Ramp-up Performance

Following installation of the final equipment, the machine successfully produced paper only four days later, demonstrating the effectiveness of the commissioning process and the close collaboration between both teams.

After start-up, PM 47 reached an operating speed of 1,300 m/min within the first week and increased to 1,400 m/min after only 10 days. The rapid ramp-up highlights both the machine’s excellent operating performance and the expertise of the joint project team throughout installation, commissioning and start-up.

“PM 47 is another important milestone in the long-standing partnership between Voith and Sun Paper. The project combined advanced technology, strong execution and outstanding teamwork. Together, we achieved an exceptionally fast start-up and ramp-up, setting a new benchmark for the industry.” says Carlos Lin, SVP Order Execution & Operations, Voith Paper Asia. “Voith looks forward to continuing to support Sun Paper’s sustainable growth with innovative technologies, integrated solutions and long-term partnerships.”