Rigesa paper mill receives more than US$ 3 million in investment - Dec 30, 2001 - 12:00:00 AM

Westvaco Corporation, the US parent of Rigesa Ltda., approved a $3.3 million rebuild of its Valinhos mill.
With prior flooding problems now resolved, the company authorized construction of a new building to house the paper machine. This project will cost approximately US$ 1.3 million, will provide a total area of approximately 7,000 square meters, and will be done in an unconventional manner  the new building will be constructed around the existing building, which will be demolished later. This project is the responsibility of Rigesas engineering staff, with support from specialized firms. The paper machine employees will experience more comfort and have more safety as a result of the investment. The new building will have thermal and acoustic isolation that decreases machine external noise transmission, thus benefiting the neighboring community.
Approximately US$ 2 million will be immediately directed to the total renovation and modernization of the paper mills stock preparation line in order to increase paper quality. A modernized trimming area and installation of a cleaning system to improve paper quality will allow the future production of specialized paper as well as reducing factory production costs. In addition, paper machine performance will improve, generating less scrap and fewer paper breaks.
Environmental improvements are also expected from this investment because there will be improved usage of trim fibers and better utilization of the water system, thereby generating lower volumes of sludge and wastewater. Consequently waste deposits at the municipal sanitary landfill will be reduced. A reduction in energy consumption, principally at peak usage hours, is also expected.
Rigesas Valinhos paper mill produces paper that is 100% recycled. Fully 80% of its production supplies the groups corrugated cardboard box factories and 20% supplies the domestic and export markets. The mill can produce about 7,000 metric tons per month.