The Yankee was manufactured by Valmet in Karlstad, where the transport also began on the other side of Lake Vänern. As early as 110 years ago, in 1915, the first Yankee cylinder was sent from Karlstad to the mill in Mariestad.
The transport through Mariestad was preceded by careful planning involving several parties, with a clear focus on safety. Below, you can follow the journey through central Mariestad – from the port to the mill – where many curious residents of Mariestad were able to watch the massive cylinder slowly move through the city.
"Now we have reached another important milestone with the arrival of the Yankee cylinder. The transport went smoothly, and I want to extend my appreciation to everyone involved," says Esa Paavolainen, Vice President Projects at Metsä Tissue.
The new paper machine will bring significant operational and environmental improvements to the mill. Energy consumption will be 30% lower compared to the two existing paper machines at the facility, and water usage per ton of paper will be reduced from 20 to 10 cubic meters – with the new machine consuming only 5 cubic meters per ton.
With an annual production capacity of 70,000 tons, the new machine will increase the total capacity of the mill to 145,000 tons. This strengthens Metsä Tissue’s competitiveness and ability to meet the growing demand for locally produced tissue paper for the Scandinavian markets.
Installation work is now progressing, with preparations for commissioning set to begin in the second half of 2025.
Watch the video and experience the historic transport of the Yankee cylinder!