Connecting the pulp and paper Industry: KPNB's role in enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and digital transformation Johannes Holubec, Pixact Product Manager

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
Success Story 2: Customer-Centric System Upgrade at VPK
Paper
A recent project at VPK Paper’s Oudegem mill in Belgium
showcases Tasowheel’s strength in customer-focused retrofit
solutions. Following a successful slice profiler upgrade on PM6
in 2020, the customer approached Tasowheel again – this time to
modernise the dilution actuator system on PM7.
The challenge: the existing actuators were aging, and spare
parts were becoming obsolete. However, VPK requested a staged
upgrade to minimise cost peaks and operational disruption. While
other suppliers insisted on a full system replacement in one go,
Tasowheel offered a unique phased approach.
Thanks to a hybrid setup, old and new actuators can
operate simultaneously. Setpoints are synchronised, and the control
interface remains unchanged – ensuring ease of operation for plant
personnel. Only minor remote support was required for start-up; the
customer handled the commissioning largely independently.
Key benefits of this tailored solution:
• Flexible investment planning: A gradual upgrade allows the customer to spread costs over time.
• Targeted component replacement: Faulty actuators can be replaced as needed.
• Minimal downtime risk: Preparatory work and parallel operability reduce shutdown time.
• Improved spare part availability: Ensures long-term
maintainability and reliability.
The collaboration reflects a high level of mutual trust and a
shared commitment to efficiency. As Reliability Engineer Eric Garcon
of VPK noted:
“The system is working smoothly, and thanks to the thorough
preparation, we regained control over many actuators that had not
functioned properly for months. Excellent cooperation and customercentric thinking – thank you!”
The project exemplifies Tasowheel’s approach to futureproofing existing systems with minimal disruption.
Success Story 3: Tasowheel launches DigiForte: A smarter
actuator for slice lip control
With DigiForte, Tasowheel introduces a new digital
generation of actuators designed to improve slice lip control and
reduce the total cost of ownership. Built on the proven Forte
series, DigiForte retains the compact mechanics but adds modern
usability, robust design, and digital features that make life easier for
operators—especially in installations with high actuator density.
Main Benefits of DigiForte:
• Digital display instead of dial indicators: Shows absolute and relative positions; mounted at a 45° angle
for easy reading in tight spaces.
• Magnetic zero-positioning: Fast and tool-free reference setting using a handheld magnet—no need for disassembly.
• Durable lightweight housing: Made from reinforced thermoplastics for high chemical and moisture resistance.
• User-friendly and cost-effective: Simplifies installation, servicing, and operation—while lowering system costs.
Designed with future-readiness in mind, DigiForte is set to evolve with IoT capabilities, including Ethernet and NFC connectivity
for diagnostics and remote control via smartphone.
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Figure 5: Eric Garcon, Reliability Engineer, VPK Oudegem.
Want to dive deeper?
Read more on DigiForte in Tasowheel’s own article in this
edition. It provides a detailed look at DigiForte’s development and
features. DigiForte reflects Tasowheel’s commitment to offering
sustainable, forward-thinking technology: high-quality engineering
that solves today’s problems while anticipating tomorrow’s needs.
Find out more at this link: https://www.tasowheel.com/2025/03/digifortea-new-development-in-slice-lip-control-efficiency/
Success Story 4: Precision Manufacturing for Dilution Water
Valves
In CD-profiling systems precision manufacturing makes the
difference.
In the paper industry, every micron counts. Tasowheel has
exceptional manufacturing equipment to produce excellent parts
for their QCS components. In addition, tailor-made solutions are no
exceptions. KPNB has recurring business with the specialty paper
producer Pieiderer Teisnach GmbH & Co. KG in Bavaria, Germany
mostly requiring tailor-made parts and equipment.
A recent example of Tasowheel tailored expertise:
Pifiderer Teisnach approached KPNB with a specific
requirement:
The heads of the dilution valves in their headbox had worn
out over time and needed to be replaced. They were looking for
high-quality replacements made from stainless steel, with a focus on
long-term durability and precise fit.
Figure 6: Marko Mäkiluoma, Tasowheel - designing dilution
valve.

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