ABB has signed a modernization agreement with Billerud to upgrade Paper Machine 5 at the company’s Gävle mill in Sweden. The investment will enhance automation, strengthen system resilience and position the facility for future digital and AI-driven advancements.
The Gävle mill is a cornerstone of Billerud’s global production of liquid packaging board and liner. Materials produced at the site are widely used in food and consumer goods packaging, supporting volumes equivalent to approximately 200 million containers per day across Billerud’s operations. As demand for fiber-based and renewable packaging materials continues to grow, the mill must deliver consistent quality while adapting to evolving product requirements.
Under the agreement, ABB will implement a comprehensive upgrade of automation and drive systems on Paper Machine 5. The project includes the latest version of ABB Ability™ System 800xA®, new-generation AC 800M controllers, enhanced quality control systems and modernized drive technology. Together, these upgrades will provide a more secure, integrated and data-driven operating environment.
The modernization is designed to improve production efficiency, reduce variability and enhance cybersecurity. Operators will gain faster and clearer insights into machine performance, enabling more accurate production adjustments and helping minimize deviations from quality targets. The improvements are also expected to reduce energy consumption and raw material usage, supporting Billerud’s sustainability ambitions.
By transitioning core systems to ABB’s current platforms, the Gävle mill will establish a flexible foundation for future growth. The upgraded automation environment will make it easier to introduce new product grades, integrate advanced analytics and adopt AI-supported optimization tools as operational needs evolve.
Martin Björnmalm, Local Business Line Manager for Pulp, Paper and Fiber in ABB’s Process Industries division, said the project builds on a long-standing collaboration between the two companies in Gävle. He noted that the combined automation and hardware upgrade will strengthen machine reliability and prepare the mill for ongoing digital development.
Once completed, the modernization will equip Billerud with an advanced, future-ready control system capable of meeting both current production demands and long-term strategic objectives. The agreement further reinforces ABB’s role as a trusted technology partner to the pulp and paper sector, backed by global expertise and a strong presence in Sweden.
ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation technologies, enabling a smarter, more sustainable, and resource-efficient future. Leveraging over 140 years of innovation and the expertise of around 110,000 employees worldwide, ABB empowers industries to operate with greater efficiency, productivity, and environmental responsibility — truly “Engineered to Outrun.”
