Valmet bolsters Sofidel America's premium tissue production with advanced technology

Valmet Strengthens Sofidel America's Ultra-Premium Tissue Manufacturing

In a significant move aimed at enhancing its production capacity, Sofidel America has announced an investment in a state-of-the-art tissue line from Valmet. This investment responds to the increasing demand for ultra-premium tissue products across North America. The new Advantage ThruAir tissue line is expected to boost production capabilities considerably, ensuring that Sofidel meets the high standards expected by consumers.

Sofidel has been a key player in the tissue industry for decades, currently operating 20 lines. Its latest project was the deployment of an Advantage DCT line at the company’s Circleville, Ohio facility, which began operations in September 2025. Looking forward, the Advantage ThruAir line represents a pivotal step in the company’s strategy to cement its presence in the U.S. market.

Luigi Lazzareschi, CEO of Sofidel, expressed his enthusiasm about this new investment, stating, "With this new, significant investment, we are solidifying our roots in the United States, which enhances our ability to meet customer demand and gives us more capacity to supply quality products using the latest TAD technology. The Advantage ThruAir technology sets the industry standard for efficient production, enabling us to deliver high-quality tissue products that support our growth in the market. Our successful collaboration on the previous project in Circleville reflects the trust and mutual respect shared between our teams, and we anticipate the same success with this new initiative."

On the other side, Jon Jested-Rask, Executive Vice President of Valmet’s Tissue Business Area, underscored the importance of this partnership, marking it as a milestone for Valmet's tissue segment. He elaborated, "This is our largest full-scope tissue delivery to date, and our longstanding partnership with Sofidel is based on shared values of innovation, expertise, and collaboration. The new production line will integrate the latest advancements in efficiency, capacity, and environmental performance to support Sofidel’s long-term objectives. We take immense pride in being entrusted with yet another project, underscoring our commitment to achieving shared success."

The scope of Valmet's supply includes a comprehensive tissue production line along with an automation package and cutting-edge flow control solutions. The new tissue line, with a width of 5.6 meters, is expected to yield an impressive annual production capacity of 75,000 tons of tissue. This line will be optimized to conserve fiber while ensuring that the end product maintains superior paper properties—attributes that are increasingly demanded by consumers today.

The introduction of the Advantage ThruAir technology highlights both companies' commitment to quality and sustainability in production processes. Valmet's package contains not only the basics of tissue production but also a range of advanced automation solutions including the Valmet DNA Distributed Control System (DCS), which consists of built-in machine condition monitoring, the Valmet IQ Quality Control System and Web Monitoring System. This indicates a shift towards smarter production methods that leverage Industrial Internet solutions for greater efficiency and better quality assurance.

The launch of the Advantage ThruAir line is slated for the second quarter of 2028, reflecting both companies' dedication to sustaining high standards while meeting the relentless pace of consumer demand in the premium paper market.

For those unfamiliar, the Sofidel Group is a privately-held global leader in the manufacture of hygiene and domestic paper products. Founded in 1966, the Group operates in 13 countries and employs over 9,500 individuals, achieving consolidated net sales of 3.225 billion euros in 2024 with a production capacity nearing 2 million tonnes annually. In the U.S. alone, Sofidel manages 14 production facilities across 11 states, indicating a robust operational footprint.

Valmet, renowned for its innovative technological solutions in process industries, is determined to support its partners throughout their operational lifecycles. With over 225 years of industrial expertise and a workforce exceeding 19,000 professionals worldwide, Valmet is positioned uniquely to facilitate transformative industrial advancements.

This new venture between Valmet and Sofidel represents more than just numbers; it symbolizes the intersection of innovation, quality, and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of consumers in the tissue sector. As both companies anticipate the successful implementation of this advanced production line, they remain steadfast in their mission to deliver exceptional products that align with the standards of today's informed consumers.