International technology group ANDRITZ has received orders from Naturheld GmbH to supply two fiber preparation systems for its new production line in Grafenwöhr, Germany.

With this project, Naturheld is also entering the insulation material sector. Start-up is scheduled for the second half of 2022.

ANDRITZ’s scope of supply comprises two lines with a state-of-the-art pressurized refining system, each featuring a capacity of up to 10 t/h and including the following technological highlights:

  • Plug Screw Feeder for optimum dewatering prior to refining and advanced wear protection for longer screw lifetime
  • C-Feeder for constant feeding of wood chips to the HC refiner and stable operation over the entire capacity range
  • 44-1CP refiner for production of high-quality fibers with lowest possible energy consumption

The systems will process a mixture of spruce and pine wood chips from Naturheld’s own wood processing plant, producing premium fiber material for flexible and hard insulation board as well as for blown-in insulation.

Robert Friedl, General Manager of Naturheld says: “The meetings with ANDRITZ headed in the right direction from the very beginning! The clear focus on ecological and economical production and the technical competences convinced us that we should enter the insulation material sector with ANDRITZ as our partner. Their experience in machine construction and customer-oriented approach to collaboration were both impressive and enjoyable!”

Michael Rupp, Vice President for Panelboard Systems in the ANDRITZ Paper, Fiber and Recycling Division, adds: “We are very impressed by Naturheld’s holistic approach, such as their regional wood supply or highly energy-saving and zero-wood-waste production process. We are looking forward to seeing ANDRITZ technology providing top performance in Naturheld’s new insulation material production facility.”

Naturheld is part of the Ziegler Group, an owner-managed company with more than 20 locations throughout Germany and almost 2,000 employees. The group has its origins in the wood industry and is also active in logistics, house construction, mechanical engineering, interior decoration, and the restaurant trade.