ABB will work on the distributed control system (DCS) and paper machine drives to make the operations at the mill secure, connected and highly automated
ABB is supporting DS Smith to upgrade its Kemsley Mill with the ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system (DCS) and paper machine drives. (Credit: ABB)
Swedish firm ABB has signed a new contract with sustainable packaging company DS Smith to upgrade the automation system and strengthen the cyber security functionality of the latter’s Kemsley Mill in the UK.
ABB will work on the distributed control system (DCS) and paper machine drives to make the operations at the mill secure, connected and highly automated.
Under the deal, ABB will support the mill’s modernisation through ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system (DCS) and paper machine drives update spanning PM3, PM4, and PM6.
The new DCS will be incorporated throughout the mill to combine everything into one system for improved, automated functionality and easier maintenance.
Also, ABB signed a one-year service contract, the latest cyber security setup, and two new virtual measurements for PM4, which will allow for online strength and weight calculations.
The system will be delivered in the third quarter of 2022. A gradual rollout of the system will be done with the scheduled maintenance programme in the subsequent months.
DS Smith Kemsley Mill manager Ben Jennings said: “ABB’s consultation, involving numerous remote workshops and ongoing discussions, helped us define the best approach for our modernisation project.
“The team showed real expertise and understanding of our future ambitions and will act as a partner to us in our digital transformation journey.”
ABB Pulp and Paper regional industry lead Jan-Willem Bos said: “DS Smith is a leading European and US paper manufacturer with a clear vision for their future operations.
“The Kemsley Mill is a great example of a facility with the foresight to plan for the bigger digitalization rapidly emerging in the pulp and paper industry.
“We’re pleased to build on our long-standing relationship and work closely with DS Smith to drive their strategic evolution.”
With an annual output capacity of around 840,000 tonnes, the Kent mill is Europe’s second-biggest recovered fibre-based paper facility. The mill created the first recycled, lightweight paper made in the UK.