SharpCell Oy is to install a second airlaid nonwovens machine at a plant in Valkeakoski, Finland, doubling the family-owned company’s production capacity.

The line has been purchased from Ascutec which operated it for two years in in Nürnberg, Germany. It was originally built in 2020 by Finnish company Anpap Oy and will be installed at UPM Tervasaari’s site in Valkeakoski which SharpCell is leasing. In addition, UPM is supplying the steam, wastewater treatment and compressed air required to operate the machine but is not involved in SharpCell’s operations beyond providing these services.

During the transition period, SharpCell and Ascutec are working closely to satisfy customer needs for high quality airlaid nonwovens. The machine is expected to start up in the fourth quarter of 2025.

“This acquisition will give us the much needed capacity to service our customers both in Finland and abroad,” said Pekka Pollari, CEO of SharpCell Oy. “We are investing in additional modern and efficient technology to minimise our carbon footprint and ensure efficient production of high-quality airlaid nonwovens.”

www.sharpcell.fi