Valmet Corporation, a leading global developer and supplier of technologies, automation, and services for the pulp, paper, and energy industries, has inaugurated the extension of its filter fabric production and R&D centre in Ovar, Portugal.

The unit manufactures filter fabrics for solid and liquid filtration and dust filtration, as well as felts and accessories for the laundry industry, the company said in a statement.

Jani P Hämäläinen, director of the filtration technology unit at Valmet said, “In addition to the production, we are concentrating our filtration-related R&D to Ovar in order to have the best knowledge and R&D equipment under one roof. The finalised investment ensures our future competitiveness in the filtration business.”

Jukka Tiitinen, business line president, services, Valmet said, “The filter fabric business is a good example of Valmet’s wide services offering. We are moving our customers’ performance forward by offering reliable energy and cost-effective solutions backed up with proven expertise in the field of filtration.”

In addition to Portugal, Valmet manufactures filter fabrics in Brazil, China, Poland, the US, and, to some extent, in Finland.

The market for filter fabrics is versatile and it is used in many different industries. Valmet is concentrating on filter fabrics for the pulp, paper, power, mining, and chemical industries, as well as the alumina, cement, and food industries. Tightening emissions standards and legislation worldwide are driving the growth in the filtration market. (GK)