Scan Machineries highlighted its capabilities as a complete paper machine manufacturer, offering robust solutions from headbox to winder, backed by strong engineering expertise and global project execution. In an exclusive interaction with Paper Mart, Mr. Aashish Nargunam, Director, Scan Machineries Private Limited, shared that both Allimand, our European partner and Scan Machineries is jointly executing an advanced specialty paper machine project for Pakka Limited. The company is witnessing strong momentum in paper grades such as packaging and paperboard, tissue, kraft, in value-added specialty papers, alongside a growing preference among mills for Indian-manufactured equipment along with high value European technology and components.
Paper Mart: You are working on a specialty paper machine project for Pakka Limited. Could you elaborate on this partnership?
Aashish Nargunam: Since 1850, our European partner, Allimand has been a global leader in design and manufacturing of high value added paper, board and fiber mat machines. For the new specialty paper machine project of Pakka Limited, both Allimand and Scan Machineries are jointly executing the complete paper machine project, covering right from the headbox to the pope reeler. Our European partner is supplying all the major critical components and the overall project engineering and execution. Scan Machineries is manufacturing and supplying all the machine frames, rolls, auxillaries and the complete pope reeler, which features an automatic spool loading and transfer system. This approach enables us both to combine advanced European technology with efficient local manufacturing to deliver a cost-effective, high-performance solution.
Watch: Top Paper Companies 2023
PM: How does Scan Machineries approach turnkey paper mill projects to deliver end-to-end solutions?
AN: We follow a one-stop solution provider approach for our paper mill turnkey solution. Our turnkey approach starts with understanding the types of paper grade the customer intends to manufacture, the width of paper to be produced and the availability of raw materials in that specific region, which varies from country to country. Based on these critical factors, we finalize the machine configuration, process flow, and the stock preparation. Our team handles both the basic and complete detailed engineering including civil, pipeline and electrical drawings. Auxiliaries such as ETPs, boilers, power, water, and steam requirements are also engineered and sized to plant’s capacity. Once manufacturing is complete, our team manages installation and commissioning to ensure smooth start-up and guaranteeing optimal performance for our clients.
Allimand, our European partner and Scan Machineries are jointly executing a complete paper machine project for Pakka Limited, covering from the headbox to the pope reel.
PM: Are there any new developments or innovations you are working on to serve the industry better?
AN: There are specific machinery components we are working on. These developments are still under progress, and will be launched in the market soon.
Another emerging concept is the digital twin technology, which is beginning to gain traction slowly. While it is still in early stages of adoption, we believe it will gradually find its way into the Indian market.
PM: What key trends and challenges do you observe in the paper industry today?
AN: One of the major trends we see in the market is growth in packaging and paperboard, tissue, kraft and in value added specialty papers such as medical grades, thermal papers, barrier papers and flexible packaging papers. Additionally, many Indian paper mills are increasingly inclined to source machinery from Indian manufacturers along with high value European technology and components and for their aftermarket local support. To support this shift, we are working towards designing and manufacturing equipment that enables us to offer more comprehensive solutions.
Also Read: Abirami Pumps on Energy Efficiency, Innovation and Automation in Paper Mill Pumping Solutions
PM: How do you view the role of automation and AI in paper mill operations?
AN: Automation and AI are increasingly important for process optimization and preventive maintenance. By collecting historical data across the mill, AI can help bridge the gap between enterprise level visibility and precision diagnostics at local specific process areas. Efficiency can be improved and potential issues are predicted in advance, for instance, identifying lubrication problems in bearings or analyzing felt life before failure occurs. Another emerging concept, is the digital twin technology, which is beginning to gain traction slowly. While it is still in early stages of adoption, we believe it will gradually find its way into the Indian market.
One of the major trends is the growing focus on packaging and paperboard, tissue, kraft and in value added specialty papers such as medical grades, thermal papers, barrier papers and flexible packaging papers. Additionally, many Indian paper mills are increasingly inclined to source machinery from Indian manufacturers along with high value European technology and components and for their aftermarket local support.
