Hinojosa Packaging Commissions Voith with Comprehensive Rebuild of PM1 in Alquería, Spain

  • Rebuild enables an increase in production of around 19 percent to 128,000 tons per year
  • Measures also aim to improve overall machine efficiency and reduce steam consumption 
  • Start-up is scheduled for first quarter of 2026

Hinojosa Packaging Group, one of the leading Spanish paper manufacturers, is realising the planned rebuild of its PM1 at the Alquería site, Spain, together with full-line supplier Voith. The project aims to increase the production of containerboard with basis weights of 115 to 195g/m² by around 19 percent to 128,000 tons of saleable paper per year, improve overall machine efficiency and reduce steam consumption.

With a strong strategic focus on the circular economy and decarbonisation, Hinojosa Packaging Group is committed to innovative production processes. The planned rebuild of the PM1 with a wire width of 3,400mm and a design speed of 1,000m/min is a further step to improve the company’s environmental footprint while ensuring efficient, reliable operations. 

The shutdown and restart of PM1 are scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. The rebuild includes upgrades to both the OCC stock preparation and the paper machine. Voith will make changes to the approach flow system and also relocate the existing headbox. The forming section will be optimized and will receive new dewatering elements.

“Innovative modifications in the press section will enable a higher dry content and thus significantly reduce specific energy consumption with increased production capacity,” added Philip Schnellinger, Process Technology Manager at Voith Paper

The first dryer group will be converted to a single-tier configuration with DuoStabilizers to enable ropeless threading and better web stabilisation. New direct drives (“silent drives”) are planned for the entire dryer section. In addition, new S-Stabilizers will be installed in the double-tier dryer groups of the pre-dryer and after-dryer sections. An additional dryer group with new EvoDry steel drying cylinders will also be installed in the pre-dryer section. Four additional EvoDry steel drying cylinders will be installed in the after-dryer section and the drying hood will be extended.

Voith’s Prevo system will be used to transfer the paper tail quickly and safely from the after-dryer section to the reel. The existing reel will be relocated and equipped with a new reel spool magazine. Voith’s QCS On.Quality system will be integrated to improve process and quality monitoring. An extensive spare parts package as well as comprehensive engineering and services are also part of the scope of supply.

Customers worldwide benefit from Voith’s tailor-made modernisation solutions that improve the efficiency, performance and service life of paper production systems. Machine optimisations and rebuilds of varying scope enable a significant reduction in operating costs and increase in production quality without the need to invest in new lines. The order confirms Voith’s proven expertise in customised rebuild solutions and underlines its role as a trusted partner for innovative and sustainable solutions in the paper industry.

About the Hinojosa Packaging Group
Hinojosa Paper Alquería, located in Alquería de Aznar, Alicante, is a part of Hinojosa Packaging Group, one of the leading companies in the design and manufacture of sustainable packaging solutions. With more than 75 years of history, its model is based on the principles of the circular economy.

Thanks to permanent innovation, customer orientation and the pursuit of excellence, the company has continued to grow, experiencing a significant boost in recent years with its commitment to internationalization. Today, it has 2,900 employees and 24 production plants located in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy, combining the strength of a global group with proximity to the territory.

Hinojosa’s commitment – and performance – is to generate a positive impact where it operates, contributing to a greater common well-being. Because it is not only about making the best packaging, but taking care of everything around you