Kemira Oyj (Helsinki, Finland) has signed a long-term agreement with UPM-Kymmene Corp. extending and expanding its current bleaching chemicals supply contract in Uruguay, pending required environmental permitting. The new agreement will include capacity to support the existing pulp mill in Fray Bentos and the new, 2.1 million ton UPM pulp mill currently under construction in Paso de los Toros.
The total Kemira investment is expected to be approximately $30 million into the bleaching chemicals plants, part of the chemical island at the UPM Fray Bentos site, expanding capacity for both sodium chlorate and hydrogen peroxide production. The chemical island, which became operational in 2007, was the first of its kind at the time. It has consistently demonstrated excellent operational and environmental performance which will be maintained with the additional investment into new, state-of-the-art technology.
Kim Poulsen, President, Pulp & Paper, “The extension of the contract and investment in this partnership in Uruguay demonstrates our long-term commitment in this very important market. A key element of our Kemira strategy is to grow in pulp and bleaching applications where we have deep rooted global expertise. We help our customers produce stronger, brighter and cleaner pulp”.