ABB to supply advanced drive system for Asia’s largest extensible bag paper line at Guangxi Jianhui
ABB has signed an agreement with Guangxi Jianhui Paper Co., Ltd. to deliver a complete paper-machine drive system for the company’s new PM8 production line in Guangxi, China. The deal was concluded on 22 June and the line is scheduled for commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2026. Once operational, PM8 is expected to become Asia’s largest extensible bag paper production line.
The new line, currently under construction, forms part of Guangxi Jianhui’s integrated forestry-pulp-paper project. It has been designed for high efficiency, intelligent operation and energy savings. ABB’s scope of supply includes its PMC800 paper machine drive control system, ACS880 multi-drives, low-voltage AC motors, engineering support, installation guidance and commissioning services.
ABB’s solution was chosen for its ability to deliver stable, high-performance operation while reducing maintenance complexity and overall lifecycle costs. The system incorporates ABB’s Direct Torque Control (DTC) technology for precise motor control, including under dynamic and low-speed conditions. Simplified cabinet designs further improve serviceability and ease of maintenance.
“This project demonstrates how advanced electrification and automation technologies can help paper producers improve productivity, energy efficiency and operational reliability,” said Wilson Monteiro, global business line manager for pulp, paper and fiber in ABB’s Process Industries division. “We’re pleased to support Guangxi Jianhui in building a modern, intelligent production line that strengthens its competitiveness in the high-end packaging paper market.”
To maximise long-term reliability, the PM8 drive system will use fibre-optic communication and dedicated maintenance networks to minimise downtime risks from electromagnetic interference. Original du/dt filters are also included to extend motor insulation life and reduce shaft currents. The system meets stringent industrial safety standards, including Performance Level e (PL e) safety functions. ABB’s paper-industry-specific control software provides an intuitive operator interface and preconfigured process libraries, simplifying operation, reducing training needs and supporting consistent production performance.
“ABB combines strong technology expertise with deep understanding of the pulp and paper industry,” said Ran Hu, deputy general manager at Guangxi Jianhui Paper. “PM8 is an important milestone in our development strategy, and ABB’s solutions will help us build a highly efficient, intelligent and future-ready production line.”
Guangxi Jianhui plans to add four further high-standard paper machine lines at the site in the future. Successful execution of PM8 is expected to strengthen the foundation for continued collaboration between the two companies. The project builds on earlier cooperation in which ABB supplied drive technologies as Jianhui expands capacity to meet rising demand for high-end packaging papers.
Guangxi Jianhui’s integrated forestry-pulp-paper complex is a major industrial development in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and a key production base for the Jianhui Group. Launched in October 2023, the project targets annual pulp and paper capacity of 3.672 million metric tons. Two packaging paper lines are already running at the site.