The Saudi Paper Manufacturing Company (SPMC) has announced it will install its fourth paper machine in Dammam in the fourth quarter of 2008.

A company spokesman said the Advantage DCT 200TS tissue machine supplied by Metso would have a speed of 2,200 meters per minute and operate in a cogeneration ventilation system. It would add another 60,000 tonnes of high-quality facial, toilet and towel grades to the company’s total annual production capacity.
The raw material for the new machine will be virgin pulp and recycled fibre.
The company also announced it would start a recycling plant in Jeddah, also in late 2008.
The production capacity at SPMC is now 80,000 tonnes.
The company reported total revenues of SR443.6 million ($118.4 million) in 2007, up 21.34 per cent over the previous year with net profit reaching 82.6 million, an increase of 20.18 per cent.
“The group has embarked on a strategic mission to achieve SR1 billion in revenues by 2012 through consolidation, expansion and diversification,” the spokesman said.
SPMC’s products are sold in Saudi Arabia and in a growing number of countries in the wider Middle East.
“Tissue consumption has grown by 25 per cent in the Middle East over the past five years. Although per capita consumption is low compared to Europe, the population of 258 million means the potential for growth is large,” the spokesman observed.
The company recycles paper waste, produces soft hygienic tissue rolls and converts jumbo tissue rolls into napkins, paper towels and toilet paper.
SPMC’s principal promoters are Prince Abdullah bin Muss’aid Al Saud and Ra’ed Al Mashaal.