HELSINKI, FINLAND--(Marketwired - Jun 11, 2013) -

Metso Corporation's press release on June 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. local time

The agreement covers maintenance operations for three pulp lines and five paper machines

Metso and Australian Paper have signed a multi-year agreement for Metso to manage the mill maintenance operations at the Maryvale Mill in Victoria, Australia. Metso will manage all maintenance systems and procedures at the mill and be responsible for optimizing maintenance costs and developing maintenance quality. The agreement became effective on June 1, 2013. The value of the agreement will not be disclosed.

The Maryvale Mill has three pulp lines, five papermaking machines, an elemental chlorine free bleach plant, pulp lapping machine, finishing facility and a waste paper processing plant. The objective of the agreement with Metso is to achieve world-class maintenance standards at the Maryvale Mill. Metso will assist Australian Paper with the skills development of maintenance staff and employees, as well as with improved planning and productivity. Metso's mill maintenance model optimizes the use of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Metso's streamlined reliability centered maintenance (Applied RCM) and condition-based maintenance. The model ensures the highest possible equipment efficiency and cost optimization.

"We are pleased to announce Metso will be our Alliance partner to work with Australian Paper to achieve world-class maintenance," says Jim Henneberry, CEO, Australian Paper. "Metso is a world-class maintenance supplier and original equipment manufacturer to the pulp and paper industry globally. Their significant worldwide expertise and professionalism will greatly benefit our operations at Maryvale."

"Through common goals, true cooperation and leveraging one another's strengths I am confident we have the foundation to achieve sustainable success at the Maryvale Mill. This agreement reinforces our position and marks another significant milestone in growing our Services business," says Pierre de Villiers, Vice President, Sales, Australia and New Zealand, Pulp, Paper and Power, Metso.

Australian Paper is Australia's largest manufacturer of fine papers for print and office applications and produces high-quality packaging papers. Australian Paper employs over 1,400 Australians and supplies more than 500,000 tonnes of product within Australia and around the world. Australian Paper is part of Nippon Paper Group that consists of approximately 180 affiliates and related companies. The Maryvale Mill is Australia's largest integrated fine paper-making and packaging papers complex, producing more than 500,000 tonnes of paper every year.