Planned to start up by March 2026, this new pivotal project aims to support the area in achieving energy consumption reduction, marking a strong, tangible commitment to a greener future.

Toscotec will perform a tailor-made rebuild and an upgrade of the existing machine, which aims at significantly optimizing its efficiency and environmental performance. The scope includes upgrading the Yankee Dryer section, by featuring an innovative TT Steel Yankee Dryer 12FT with a new steam and condensate system, and a high efficiency TT Hood. Thanks to the higher drying capacity of the new Steel Yankee Dryer, it will be possible to enable the transition from the existing Mono System to a new Hybrid Gas Fired one, consisting of a wet-end hood fired by fuel and of a suction dry-end hood.

The remarkable outcome of this transformation will result in a decrease in energy consumption, aligning perfectly with sustainability goals and continuing to support the consistent production capacity crucial for our customer’s success.

François Bourdin, Papeterie Le Bourray CEO, says: “This project is an important step in our efforts to save energy and reduce our environmental impact. With Toscotec’s support, we’re improving our production while moving toward a more sustainable future.”

Riccardo Gennai, Toscotec tissue division sales manager, states: “Our successful cooperation with Papeterie le Bourray continues as we equip our partners with a highly customized, turnkey drying section. We’re providing advanced technology and essential operational assistance to ensure smooth integration and set a new benchmark for eco-efficient production.”

About Papeterie Le Bourray

Founded in 1844, the Papeterie Le Bourray paper mill is world-renowned for developing, manufacturing, and distributing white, colored and recycled cellulose wadding. With a legacy spanning nearly two centuries, they are dedicated to sustainable innovation and delivering high-quality, versatile products for the global market.

This Yankee Dryer, which weighs approximately 321,000 lbs (160.5 tons) and has a diameter of 18.5 feet and a width of 22 feet, became a key asset in Sofidel’s ongoing commitment to producing high-quality tissue products. The Yankee Dryer was manufactured at Valmet’s facility in Karlstadt, Sweden, before being shipped across Europe to the Bremen Ports in Germany.

The journey to the United States began on December 12th, 2024, and took about a month to reach the port of New Orleans, arriving on January 14th, 2025.  Due to the size and weight of the Yankee Dryer, transportation took place in stages, with the equipment traveling approximately 40-60 miles per day in compliance with road weight restrictions. The full route plan from Portsmouth to Circleville had been carefully mapped out to ensure safe and efficient delivery. The addition of the new Yankee Dryer helped further enhance the facility’s capacity and efficiency.

After clearing the New Orleans port, the Yankee Dryer embarked on its journey up the Mississippi River, continued along the Ohio River, and finally arrived in Portsmouth, Ohio, on February 22nd, 2025. After some preparation, the dryer began its escorted journey to the Sofidel Circleville facility on Thursday, February 27th, 2025, and was expected to arrive at its destination by March 1st, 2025. However, due to technical difficulties on March 1st, the Yankee Dryer was delivered on Sunday, March 2nd.

The new paper machine has a production capacity of 70,000 tons per year. Once it is fully operational, the Circleville plant will reach a total production capacity of over 200,000 tons per year, becoming the most important in the Group.

After the successful project involving a new tissue production line, started up with great results in March 2020, Grupo Corporativo Papelera renews its trust in A.Celli Paper’s expertise and solutions to complete the TM5 plant dedicated to the production of 100 tons per day of 13-35 gsm tissue paper.

The Yankee Dryer shipped this month is our patented iDEAL® FORGED YD, characterized by a seamless forged steel shell, the use of bolts instead of welds for the connection of heads to shell and heads to journals and a minimized root shell thickness. All this allows A.Celli’s solutions to significantly reduce the required periodical inspections while delivering maximum drying capacity.

The Yankee Dryer in object features a diameter of 15’’ and will be used in a production line with a design speed of 1800 m/min to obtain reels with a width of 2700 mm at pope reel.

Luis Fernandez, Deputy CEO of Grupo Corporativo Papelera, declares: “After a long term relationship, and particularly looking to the great results reached with the 2020 Turn-key Tissue Plant project, for which we have exceeded the guaranteed performances, we fully trust in A.Celli Paper technical capability and reliable service support. This latest order placed to complete the TM5 is a clear indicator of our intentions, and we look forward to working together again, confident of achieving another great result.”

About Grupo Corporativo Papelera

With over 20 years in the market, GCP Paper USA Inc. is a Mexican company dedicated to manufacturing private label Tissue Paper products: toilet paper, napkins, kitchen towels, facial tissues, and specialty papers of the highest quality. GCP operates four paper manufacturing machines, which have fostered valuable relationships with major clients and distributors in both Mexico and the United States. Currently, the company sells approximately 85% of its products in Mexico and 15% in the United States.

Compared with the existing cast iron Yankee, the new TT SYD will significantly reduce PM2’s energy consumption and guarantee higher operational safety; the high-efficiency TT Hood and burner system will considerably optimize the Yankee hoods’ energy consumption. The upshot of the overall project will be substantial energy savings.

With more than 270 TT SYD sold globally, Toscotec is the undisputed leading supplier of Steel Yankee Dryers with installation in approximately 50 countries across 5 continents. In Europe, it holds close to 95% of the market share.

Ivo Valtchev, Pulp Mill Holding – Vice CEO at Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill, says “Despite the war in Ukraine and the current economic situation, we continue to invest in advanced technologies and to modernize production. The new TT SYD and Hood will improve the energy efficiency of PM2, as well as increase our operational safety, which is especially important in this difficult time for the country.”

Matteo Giorgio Marrano, Sales Manager at Toscotec, says, “Toscotec is happy to start a new cooperation with Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill and we are confident that this technological upgrade will deliver a competitive advantage to drive their market growth. The combination of Toscotec’s key drying equipment – TT SYD and TT Hood – represents the best available technology in tissue for its value in energy efficiency.”

About Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill

Founded in 1982, Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill is a private joint-stock company and one of the largest producers of full-cycle cardboard and paper products in Eastern Europe. It is part of the Austrian group Pulp Mill Holding. The company processes waste paper to produce high-quality cardboard and paper products including tissue products, corrugated and moulded packaging.

Compared with the existing cast iron Yankee, the new TT SYD will significantly increase PM3’s production capacity, guarantee higher operational safety, and deliver energy savings.

TT SYD: Toscotec’s undisputed market leadership

With more than 260 TT SYD sold globally, Toscotec holds a large majority of the market share of Steel Yankee Dryers. In the European tissue market, it has close to 95% of the market share, but it is present in more than 45 countries across 5 continents.

Emmanuel Coulon, General Manager of PAPECO, says “The installation of this TT SYD is aimed at increasing the energy efficiency of our production, in line with our strong commitment to resource efficiency of which the use of locally sourced recycled fibers is also a big part. The steel Yankee will increase reliability and operational safety at our mill.”

Riccardo Gennai, Toscotec Sales Manager, says, “We are happy to begin this new cooperation with PAPECO and are confident that they will gain the competitive advantage to support their growth in the market. Our third generation design Steel Yankee delivers the highest possible drying efficiency in the tissue industry, which is decisive factor for any tissue manufacturer.”

About PAPECO

Founded in 1990, PAPECO produces industrial wiping rolls, medical sheets, and toilet tissue. It is a socially responsible company whose capital is 100% owned by its employees. Inspired by the principles of circular production and consumption, PAPECO makes 95% of its purchases from French SMEs, while only products not available in France are purchased abroad. The raw materials used for paper making are recycled paper collected in France. 

Toscotec will supply a TT SYD Steel Yankee Dryer of latest generation, the entire steam and condensate removal system and high-efficiency TT Hoods. The service package includes the engineering, erection supervision, training, commissioning and start-up assistance. The new dryer section is set to slash PM1’s energy consumptions and increase production efficiency.

Eliran Elbaz, Vice President Paper & Complementary Products Division of Sano Bruno’s Enterprises, says, “Toscotec’s state-of-the-art technology will allow us to raise the bar on our paper products portfolio. Their added value is key for our customer base, and we keep on investing and working towards this goal.”

Fabio Bargiacchi, Sales Manager at Toscotec, says, “We are happy to partner with Sano Group on this major technological upgrade. The combined advantages of TT SYD and TT Hood will deliver a drastic increase of PM1’s energy efficiency and ensure thermal energy consumption reductions, as well as capacity increase.”

About Panda Paper Mills (1997) Ltd.

Panda Paper Mills (1997) is a tissue manufacturer based in Netanya (Israel), where it operates one tissue machine. The company is a subsidiary of Sano Enterprises, Israel’s leading manufacturer of non-food products. Established more than 60 years ago, the group employs over 1,600 people and distributes more than 2,000 products manufactured at 5 production sites across Israel and Romania. 

The new TT SYD has significantly increased PM3’s production capacity and is ensuring higher operation safety. Compared with the replaced cast iron Yankee, it is delivering substantial energy savings, which reduce the overall operating costs of the tissue machine.

Indisputable market leadership

Toscotec holds a large majority of the global market share of Steel Yankee Dryers boasting more than 260 TT SYD sold worldwide. Since its first Steel Yankee started up in 2000, TT SYD has been installed in every corner of the globe. It is now present in more than 45 countries across 5 continents, with a stronghold in Europe where it holds close to 95% of the market share. With this successful start-up, it strengthens its position in the USA as undisputed Steel Yankee market leader.

Michael Bogenschutz, Vice President and General Manager of Shawano Specialty Papers, says “Toscotec provided excellent technical support throughout the entire project. Start-up of the new Yankee went smoothly, and the dryer is performing well. We are experiencing lower energy consumption and are seeing the potential for increased production efficiency.”

Michael Drage, President of Toscotec North America, Inc., says, “Our latest-generation design Steel Yankee delivers the highest possible drying efficiency in the tissue industry, which is of course a deal breaker for any tissue producer. We are happy to see that with this TT SYD Shawano Specialty Papers has gained a key competitive advantage to support their growth in North America.”

About Little Rapids Corporation

Founded by Charles Egan in 1947, it remains a family-owned business. The company’s core product lines serve the medical and beauty market segments, flexographic printing for a variety of packaging markets, and tissue, MG paper, and wet crepe paper for the specialty paper market. The company proudly employs over 450 people in its Green Bay and Shawano, Wisconsin locations. 

Market leadership through continuous development

With over 260 TT SYD sold worldwide, Toscotec is the undisputed market leader of Steel Yankee Dryers in the global tissue market. This leadership gives Toscotec a vast experience of monitoring and servicing steel Yankees that operate in the most diverse conditions across 5 continents worldwide. This combined expertise propels the strides that Toscotec continuously makes in product improvement developments.

The latest generation of TT SYD installed on Mirae Paper’s PM2 benefits from an ideal ratio of the height, width, and distance between the Yankee’s internal ribs and the optimization of its shell thickness. This design guarantees the highest possible thermal energy transfer efficiency at the drying heart of the tissue machine.

Following the global success of its Steel Yankees, in 2016 Toscotec set up its TT SYD Technology Center in Massa (Italy), an integrated facility fully dedicated to their manufacturing with a short and easy route to a seaport to accelerate shipping anywhere in the world.

Yeong Rok Lee, Mirae Paper’s Production Manager, says, “We are very happy with the outcome of this second Yankee replacement by Toscotec. This new Yankee on PM2 has been performing very efficiently for over 2 months now. Just like our first TT SYD on PM3 has done for more than 10 years now, with great reliability and substantial energy savings.”

Simone Pieruccini, Pressure Vessel Technical Manager at Toscotec, says, “Toscotec has without a doubt the longest and largest experience in the design, manufacture, and service of steel Yankees in the tissue industry. This allows us to continuously raise the bar in terms of technological progress and service quality. We are happy that Mirae Paper can benefit from this experience on both PM2 and PM3, increasing capacity while reducing operational costs.”

About Mirae Paper Co., Ltd.

Established in 2000, Mirae Paper operates one paper mill in Jeonju, South Korea. The company manufactures up to 65,000 tpy of high quality tissue, including toilet tissue, handkerchiefs, and towels, using both virgin and recycled fibres. It distributes its products mainly to the Korean market. 

Undisputed Steel Yankee market leadership

With over 250 TT SYD sold, Toscotec is the undisputed market leader of Steel Yankee Dryers holding a large majority of the global market share.

• Toscotec’s TT SYD was the first Yankee dryer made of steel to start up in a tissue mill in 2000.

• TT SYD is present in more than 45 countries across 5 continents, and in Europe alone it has close to 95% of the market share.

• Toscotec holds the record for the longest and largest experience of design, manufacture, and service of steel Yankees in the tissue industry.

• TT SYD embraces a whole breadth of applications: conventional tissue, TAD, MG paper, and tobacco.

• Toscotec manufactured a 22 ft. diameter TT SYD – the largest diameter of grooved Steel Yankee Dryers in the world – and it has the capability to produce up to 26 ft. diameter.

• Building on 20+ years of monitoring and servicing steel Yankees that operate in the most diverse conditions across the globe, Toscotec has made strides in product development engineering 3 successive design generations of its TT SYD.

WEPA’s target of sustainable production

This order is an integral part of WEPA’s strategic plan to boost the energy efficiency of its operations and reduce CO2 emissions. Toscotec’s Steel Yankee will ensure the highest possible energy efficiency in the drying section of the tissue machine, with substantial thermal energy savings compared with the existing cast iron cylinder. Since WEPA installed its first Toscotec’s Steel Yankee in 2006, it never went back to the old technology of cast iron dryers.

Aurelien Lebas, Technical Project Manager of WEPA, says: “The installation of this TT SYD is aimed at reducing our energy consumption and overall carbon footprint, in line with our strong commitment to resource efficiency. It will also increase reliability and operational safety at our facility. Based on our long experience working with Toscotec, we expect to exceed our targets.”

Riccardo Gennai, Toscotec’s Sales Manager, says: “It is a pleasure to work again with WEPA France after a series of successful rebuilds of PM11, and the start-up of PM18 turnkey tissue project at their mill. This order strengthens our partnership with the WEPA Group that began more than 20 years ago.”

About WEPA

The WEPA Group is a European family business specialising in the production and distribution of sustainable hygiene paper. Headquartered in Arnsberg (Germany), WEPA offers sustainable and innovative hygiene solutions that provide a safe feeling of hygiene and contribute daily to the well-being of millions of people. With 4,000 employees, the WEPA Group manufactures hygiene products such as toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, and napkins at 13 European sites. WEPA is among the three largest European manufacturers and leading the market in the production of hygiene paper from recycled fibre. Its annual turnover is roughly 1.3 billion euro.

The Yankee Dryer has a diameter that can vary from 2.5 to 6.7 meters and is usually built in cast iron or steel, although nowadays the trend sees the use of steel prevail for its many advantages, including a better heat transfer.

The extreme importance of the Yankee Dryer derives from the fact that in the production of tissue paper, since the latter is characterized by a low basis weight, the drying process of the paper sheet is performed using, as a drying cylinder, only the Yankee Dryer instead of various batteries of cylinders, as occurs in the production of normal paper.

In summary, the main functions of the Yankee Dryer are:

> The transport of the sheet of paper.

> The creation of the nip with the suction press, to remove an additional amount of excess water in the sheet before the evaporation process.

> The drying of the sheet by means of thermal transfer.

> The creation of a base for the creping process.

The continuous increase in machine speed, steam pressure and production requirements, not to mention the intrinsic characteristics that a Yankee Dryer must possess to create a high quality final product, represents a major challenge for manufacturers.

For these reasons, and to overcome some of the technical limitations of the shell construction process that involves the use of welding, A.Celli has designed and built its steel Yankee Dryer with a shell completely forged in one piece: a solution, such as we will see, more secure, reliable and extremely efficient.

A.Celli’s objectives and the characteristics of the IDEAL® forged Yankee Dryer

Minimizing mechanical problems while ensuring greater solidity and better heat transmission: these were the objectives that A.Celli intended to achieve. All this has become possible thanks to the iDEAL® forged Yankee Dryer, the new production technology conceived and patented by A.Celli Paper to meet these growing needs.

The distinctive feature of our YD is the construction process of the shell, made from a single piece of steel, which involves the following steps:

1. Heating of steel to reach a temperature of more than 1200 ° C

2. Forging

3. Hot rolling process aimed at achieving an optimal crystalline grain size

The result of this process is a shell of homogeneous material without welding: a highly innovative product that eliminates any chance of deformation, both during the processing phase and during its use. The internal processing of the grooves, also patented, is characterized by an innovative design that reduces the possibility of shell deformation, relieving the tension on the sides of the shell itself and ensuring better heat transmission, with a consequent increased drying capacity of the Yankee.

The homogeneous material, characterized by a high resistance to the propagation of cracks, and the unique structure, free from residual stress, allow a greater variation in operating pressure and definitively eliminate the risk of breakage. Therefore, unlike the traditional method that involves welding operations, both the possibility of finding mechanical defects in the welded area and the need to carry out the numerous periodic and maintenance quality checks that require the interruption of the production line are eliminated at the root.

The innovation offered by A.Celli is completed by the head insulation system, made by means of a patented insulating ceramic layer and a polycarbonate cover in order to minimize heat dispersion and consequently reduce standard steam consumption. Ceramics, guaranteeing better and more stable insulation than conventional materials such as rock wool, allows the use of thinner panels and maintains its insulating properties unaltered during production.

Finally, the use of bolts to fix the heads to the shell by means of bolts allows the elimination of welding and the consequent deformations and residual stresses in the coupling in another area subjected to high stress.

The final result is an innovative and unique Yankee Dryer on the world market which, from the data collected, is able to reduce costs (due to maintenance activities and lost productivity during downtime) by 94% in the first 12 years of use.