TURKEY
TURKEY'S LILA KAGIT STARTS FIRST TISSUE PM

Lila Kagit has started up its first tissue machine at Corlu, near Istanbul. It is an Advantage DCT 200 TS machine from Metso, with a wire with: of 5.65 m, design speed 2200 m/min and capacity estimated at 200 tons/day. It will make facial, toilet tissue, napkin and towel based on virgin fibre. Metso also supplied the stock preparation system.

In early November a 20,000 ton/yr tissue converting line from Fabio Perini for toilet rolls and kitchen towels was expected to start soon. A second similar line is due to be ordered in the second half of next year.

Lila Kagit has also ordered four napkin converting lines from unspecified suppliers, according to RISI. The equipment will be delivered this month and in December. In addition, another new converting line for handkerchiefs is scheduled to come on stream next month.

The facility's total converting capacity will reach an estimated 35,000 tons/yr. Over time, the company aims to convert all of the tissue paper it manufactures. Lila Kagit plans to sell its output on the domestic market as well as to neighbouring countries and others in eastern Europe and the Middle East. The firm intends to launch its own brands.

Lila Kagit expects to double the capacity of its converting facility and may invest in a second tissue paper machine by the end of 2010. The Metso contract, signed last year, included an option for another PM in two years.