The new barking drum was lifted into place at the chip plant in early December and the conveyor bridges that will transport the chips from the chip storage facility to the continuous digester are now being installed. Pipe bridges with processing tubes will be assembled between the various sections of the plant in the industrial area.

"I'm convinced that our success is largely a result of our positive attitude and willingness to help one another. When it comes to safety, it's vital that we look out for each other so that no one gets hurt. There are a lot of people here helping us expand the plant and it is important that they feel welcome and comfortable here," says Jonas Eriksson, Site Manager and Södra Cell Värö.

The project will enter a final intensive phase in mid-January. In May, the entire plant will be shut down while the new machinery is connected so that production can recommence in mid-June.

While the expansion project is under way, the plant continues to produce high-quality paper pulp and, at the time of writing just before Christmas, is more than 11,000 tonnes ahead of its production plan for 2015.