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Valmet Defibrator EVO 64 successfully starts up at S. Kijchai Enterprise Mill in Thailand
Sep 14, 2026


 
 
S. Kijchai Enterprise PCL has successfully started up a new Valmet Defibrator system on Line 3 at its mill in Thailand. The commissioning process was completed smoothly, with the first board produced following the installation.

The collaboration between S. Kijchai Enterprise and Valmet involved the installation and commissioning of the new fibre preparation system. An experienced Valmet team conducted training at the site, supporting the mill’s efforts to reach stable production performance quickly.

The successful start-up marks an important milestone for the project. Both organisations are now working together to fine-tune the equipment and move the line towards full production capacity.

“We are truly grateful for the dedication and teamwork from every part of Valmet, which brought both the installation and the first board to a successful conclusion,” says Harnsiri Sangwongkij, Exclusive Vice President, S. Kijchai Enterprise PCL.

The project also represents Valmet’s 13th Defibrator system installation in Thailand.

“We are honored to be trusted with installing and starting up the 13th Valmet Defibrator system in Thailand. The new machine, equipped with the latest technology, is designed to meet Kijchai’s goals. It has been a pleasure to collaborate in this project and with this great team,” says Hans-Jörgen Tumfart, Sales Manager, Pulp, Energy and Circularity, Valmet.

First board produced following successful commissioning

The first board produced during the start-up has received a positive assessment from Valmet. Initial quality was described as excellent, providing an encouraging indication as the line moves towards stable and full-scale operation.

“The first board quality looks excellent. From here, both teams will collaborate closely to fine-tune the equipment and bring the line to full production capacity at the earliest opportunity,” says Krisda Pongpraket, Sales Manager, Fiberboard, Asia Pacific, Valmet.

The start-up team has now left the S. Kijchai site following the successful commissioning and initial production phase. However, technical support will continue remotely.

Valmet’s local sales manager will also visit the mill 2–3 times a week to monitor progress and provide ongoing support.

The continued cooperation is intended to help address operational requirements as the equipment is optimised. The customer and Valmet teams established strong collaboration throughout the project.

EVO 64 brings latest Defibrator technology

Valmet’s supply for the project included its latest Valmet Defibrator system, EVO 64.

The EVO 64 is an enhanced design based on the proven performance and reliability of its predecessor. The earlier system is recognised for its ability to deliver high fibre quality.

The latest development places additional emphasis on energy efficiency. The technology is designed to reduce freshwater and steam consumption during fibre preparation.

This focus is significant for fibreboard producers seeking efficient front-end processes. Energy and resource consumption are important considerations in modern industrial production.

The EVO Defibrator technology addresses these requirements through its updated approach to fibre preparation. Its design combines the established performance of the Defibrator platform with an increased emphasis on resource efficiency.

Supporting fibreboard production efficiency

The Defibrator system forms an important part of the front-end process used in fibreboard manufacturing. Fibre preparation influences the quality and consistency of material supplied to subsequent production stages.

For S. Kijchai Enterprise, the new system has been installed specifically for Line 3. The successful commissioning means the mill can now proceed with further equipment optimisation.

The training provided on site was another important element of the project. Valmet’s experienced personnel worked with the mill team during commissioning to help establish stable operating performance.

The first board provides an early production milestone. Further adjustments are now expected as the two teams work towards the line’s full production capacity.

The support model will continue beyond the physical presence of the start-up team. Remote assistance will be combined with regular local visits from Valmet’s sales management.

This approach provides continued contact while the equipment is fine-tuned.

Strengthening Valmet’s fibreboard technology presence in Thailand

The installation is the 13th Valmet Defibrator system in Thailand, further extending the company’s presence in the country’s fibreboard manufacturing sector.

For Valmet, the project demonstrates the application of its latest Defibrator technology in a production environment. The EVO 64 has been designed to meet S. Kijchai Enterprise’s goals while maintaining the high fibre quality associated with the preceding design.

The project also highlights the importance of close cooperation during industrial equipment commissioning. Installation, training and first-board production were completed as part of the coordinated effort between the customer and supplier.

With the initial start-up completed, attention is now shifting towards optimisation. The immediate objective is to achieve full production capacity at the earliest opportunity.

Valmet’s ongoing remote support and regular visits are expected to assist this process.

The successful first-board production provides a strong starting point for the next phase. As commissioning moves into continued optimisation, S. Kijchai Enterprise and Valmet will remain closely engaged.

The EVO 64’s emphasis on energy efficiency also adds a resource-conscious dimension to the project. Reduced freshwater and steam consumption in fibre preparation is a key feature of the enhanced technology.

The successful start-up therefore represents both a production milestone for S. Kijchai Enterprise and another deployment of Valmet’s latest Defibrator technology in Thailand.
  

Source: valmet.com

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