TAMPERE, Finland -- Valmet says it will further develop its paper machine clothing production plant in Tampere, Finland, by investing in press felt production. The investment is done in order to improve the product technology and production capacity of seamed press felts for the paper, board, tissue and pulp drying machines.

The investment includes a new wide weaving loom, updating of some existing weaving looms and a new fiber opening and blending machinery. The total value of the investment is several million euros and the investment project will be finalized during the 1Q 2017.

"This investment gives us the necessary assets to further develop our leading technology for the growing and demanding seamed felt market. It also ensures our capacity for the coming years to deliver felts that respond to customer needs for optimized production performance. This is also an investment in Valmet's renewed services approach," says Jari Stålhammar, Vice President, Fabrics, Services Business Line at Valmet.