Stockholm, Sweden, 13 December 2011 -- SCA will invest a total of SEK 540 million to strengthen kraftliner production in Munksund, Piteå, Sweden. The intention is to upgrade the paper machine and refurbish the soda recovery boiler.

The main aim of the investment is to increase production of value-added products, such as white-top kraftliner. As a result of the SEK 540 million investment, Munksund will be able to increase its total annual kraftliner capacity to 415,000 metric tons from the current level of 360,000 metric tons.

The bulk of the investment, SEK 400 million, will be used to upgrade the paper machine. The remaining SEK 140 million will finance the replacement of the pressure vessel in the soda recovery boiler, which will enhance heat recovery and enable increased future output.

The upgraded equipment is expected to be fully operational during 2013.

The investment facilitates increased production of white-top kraftliner, a strong speciality paper for the corrugated-board industry, which is experiencing a high growth rate.

"The investment is in line with the company’s strategy; which is to increase production and sales of products and services with a higher degree of refinement that add value for our customers,” said Jan Johansson, SCA’s president and CEO.