Valmet BM2 at Liansheng exceeds design capacity in its second month of folding boxboard production

A benchmark in machine ramp-up efficiency

In the capital-intensive world of paperboard manufacturing, the timeline from machine start-up to stable, profitable production is a critical metric. Valmet has just released performance data for the BM2 line at Liansheng Pulp and Paper's Zhangzhou site in China, and the figures set a formidable benchmark for the industry. Following its initial start-up in July 2025, the machine not only produced salable, on-spec product from the very first roll but also reached its design speed and output within the first month. By the second month, it had already exceeded its design capacity.

This rapid ramp-up is particularly notable given the technical demands of the grades being produced. The BM2 is specifically engineered for heavy-weight folding boxboard (FBB), running basis weights between 245 and 400 g/m². Achieving stable quality on high-bulk and ultra-high-bulk grades—destined for premium applications like cosmetics packaging, pharmaceutical boxes, and high-end carrier bags—usually requires a prolonged optimization period. Yet, Valmet reports that the time from the first stock entering the machine to obtaining a fully qualified product was a mere nine hours.

The strategic advantage of machine specialization

Beyond the mechanical achievement, the Liansheng BM2 case highlights a broader operational strategy that is gaining traction among top-tier producers: strict machine specialization. At the Zhangzhou complex, Liansheng operates two Valmet lines with a clear division of labor. While BM1 is dedicated to lighter grades, BM2 handles the heavy-weight spectrum.

Huang Ju, Executive Vice President of Liansheng Pulp & Paper, contextualizes this approach within the current market dynamics. The packaging paper market in China is undergoing a structural adjustment, and as demand recovers, high-end folding boxboard presents a stable growth avenue. By dedicating each machine to a specific weight range, Liansheng avoids the inefficiencies and downtime associated with constant grade changes. This specialization allows for continuous, high-efficiency runs, maximizing the output and stabilizing the quality profile of both machines simultaneously.

Execution and single-supplier synergy

The seamless execution of the BM2 project, which saw the first dryer cylinder installed in October 2024 and the machine running by July 2025, underscores the value of deep supplier-producer integration. Li Guowei, Vice President for Folding Boxboard at Liansheng, pointed out that utilizing a single-supplier scope for the complete process technology, automation, and control systems significantly lowered coordination costs and friction during the build.

The integration of Valmet Conical Refiner Conflo units, alongside advanced web inspection systems capable of 0.1 mm accuracy at the reel, provided the technological backbone for this rapid stabilization. Furthermore, the project adhered to a strict "no problem left overnight" philosophy during the delivery and installation phase, ensuring that technical hurdles were cleared immediately, paving the way for the flawless start-up.

The successful deployment of BM2 solidifies Liansheng's integrated forestry-to-board growth strategy, proving that when advanced engineering meets disciplined project management and strategic specialization, the time-to-market for premium packaging grades can be drastically reduced.

The industry is witnessing a masterclass in operational efficiency, where the combination of specialized machinery and a unified technology ecosystem proves that long ramp-up periods are no longer an unavoidable cost of doing business. Will more regional giants adopt this strict two-machine specialization model to dominate both ends of the folding boxboard weight spectrum? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai