2 INDUSTRY NEWS


Keeping the wheels of the paper industry turning


I


n April at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Italy was closed – totally – with workers using smart


systems from home, and all travel requiring permission. The government implemented even stricter regulations that closed most industries, except those for necessary products. Production of paper making machines was a necessary business, which is why at Valmet’s production plant at Pescia, Giuseppe Fronteddu and Vincenzo Gangemi were meeting the challenge to combine social responsibility and fulfilling its customers’ expectations. Fronteddu and Gangemi were


working to meet the delivery time for a rewinder to a tissue customer. The production team had been split into shifts to enhance social distancing while working. Personal protection equipment and strict hygiene routines were more important than ever. “Naturally we are worried about the situation,” Fronteddu said. “One month ago, we lived


Pulp Paper & Logistics


Giuseppe Fronteddu and Vincenzo Gangemi with a Valmet a Reelite 20 ENS about to be shipped to a customer


a normal life where we could go to the beach or the supermarket whenever we wanted. Today we can only go to one specific store, stand one hour in queue to get some food, and go straight back home, everything else is closed. The disaster is a fact.” Gangemi added: “It feels good to be here to keep the wheels rolling, to help our country and our customers in this tough situation. It also gives a sense or normality in an un-normal world.” Fronteddu and Gangemi sent a


greeting to all their colleagues: “We need to think in different ways, adapt to a more community- oriented mind. If everyone takes


Valmet’s Gorizia workshop personnel sending thanks to colleagues in China for a shipment of face masks


responsibility of what they do, keeping social distance, use personal protection and wash their hands, it is possible to satisfy society, our country and our customers.” At Valmet’s manufacturing plant in Gorizia staff were also working to keep up with delivery times. When times were tough, they invented new ways to collaborate with customers and suppliers as well as helping each other. “We talk a lot about values


in Valmet and in this difficult situation we can really see that the people value of ‘we are working together to make a difference’ really comes from the


heart. When someone needs help, we support each other, no matter where we are,” said Paolo Vezil, Valmet’s product sales manager in Italy. An unexpected example was when Valmet in Italy nearly ran out of face masks. When colleagues in China heard about the problem they immediately found more, bought them and shipped them to Italy. “That type of solidarity helped the workshop people to ensure we can continue assisting our customers, keep the wheels rolling and our people safe. This is what living our values is all about,” Vezil concluded.


Zellcheming-Expo 2020 cancelled, but is on for 2021


Due to the spread of coronavirus in Europe, the Zellcheming-Expo in Frankfurt am Main originally scheduled for 24-25 June has been cancelled. The show will be held in 2021 but the dates have yet to be announced. Organiser Mesago Messe


Frankfurt said that in view of the uncertain prognosis for


May/June 2020


the corona pandemic, and with cooperation with various industry representatives, it decided to cancel the trade fair for the pulp, paper and supply industry. “We are very sorry to have to


cancel this year’s Zellcheming- Expo, but the health of our exhibitors, visitors, speakers, partners and employees is


our top priority,” said Martin Roschkowski, president at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. “The decision was not an easy one for us, nor is it for other trade fair organisers worldwide, who are facing similar challenges due to the current situation.” Gerrit Lund, chairman of


Zellcheming eV, added: “As much as we regret the cancellation of


this year’s exhibition, we look to the future with confidence – better times will come again. “Within the association, we


would like to use the time ahead to develop ideas and work intensively on new concepts for the association and the event. We are already looking forward to seeing you all again at the Zellcheming-Expo 2021.”


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36