On May 12, a fire broke out at the Alfeld paper mill located in Germany and belonging to the Sappi group based in South Africa. The fire started near one of the five paper machines, PM 3. There were no casualties.
"Following this incident, a thorough inspection and investigation was conducted in the area affected by the fire. The results revealed that the damage to the paper machine was limited, with the dryer cylinder in good condition" ...is putting the group on notice in a press release.
The damage mainly concerns the machine hall, in particular the mezzanine ceiling and the roof, both of which are currently being repaired before production restarts.
MP 3 is expected to resume production in week 31, which begins on July 27, and paper deliveries should resume from early August. The mill's four other paper machines are still in operation.
Sappi has organized a back-up supply from its sites in Italy and works in partnership with customers to ensure that demands are met.
The Alfeld site in Sappi employs 800 people and produces coated and uncoated speciality papers.
