The UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill represents the latest and greatest technology available
UPM reached the technical preparation to start the commissioning of its new UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill, after receiving the approval of its Operation Environmental Management Plan (PGAO) by the environmental authorities, which includes all the procedures, systems and technologies required to comply with the environmental permit. This approval precedes the final authorization of operation that UPM will announce once received, which will allow start-up, the company reported.
Jussi Pesonen, CEO and President of UPM stated in this regard: “The commissioning of UPM Paso de los Toros completes our investment in transformational growth in Uruguay. Over the years, UPM has created a competitive industrial platform, with a secure and sustainable supply of wood and efficient logistics in Uruguay.”
“This offers a competitive and secure supply of pulp to new and existing customers, and helps meet the growing need for renewable materials. With an increase of more than 50% in UPM’s current pulp production capacity, this investment creates a change in the scale of our pulp business and future earnings for UPM. It also has a significant impact on the economy of Uruguay. and creates important opportunities for people and communities,” he stressed.
Almost 3.5 billion dollars
In addition to the pulp mill, The total investment of 3,470 million dollars includes a deep-water port terminal in Montevideo, the construction of the company’s third eucalyptus nursery in Sarandí del Yí, Durazno, and investments in infrastructure and local facilities in the interior of the country.
All these works have already been completed and are in operation.
“The UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill, with its annual production capacity of 2.1 million tons of eucalyptus pulp, places us among the main pulp suppliers in the world. We now have a balanced asset base and timber supply in two hemispheres. With two pulp mills in Uruguay and three in Finland, we have a solid offer of sustainable short and long fiber pulp for our customers,” he said. Bernd Eikens, Executive Vice President of UPM Fibers.
UPM can confirm that its new plant will be one of the most competitive in the world and will allow an attractive return on investment in various market scenarios.
Environmental care
Uruguayan environmental authorities have monitored the construction of the plant throughout the project.
The operation authorization process has included several inspections during the commissioning phase by the authorities, as well as third-party audits by industry experts. UPM has submitted all the information required to obtain the permits and an extensive environmental monitoring program that covers the water and biota of the Rio Negro, air, soil, noise and socioeconomic aspects. In addition, UPM has obtained all the necessary permits related to power generation, transportation, fire, industrial and municipal regulations.
“UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill represents the latest and greatest technology available and has undergone a thorough and thorough permitting process to ensure safe and sustainable operations. I am very proud of the team at UPM who have carried out this entire strategic growth project with determination and integrity,” commented Pesonen.
New jobs and 2% of GDP
Through growth investment, UPM and its contractors will create 4,000 new jobs throughout the entire value chain, as well as approximately another 6,000 induced jobs, with a permanent contribution of 2% to GDP of the Uruguayan economy. (All Field)
