The Indian producer has entered medium-density fibreboard production with a Siempelkamp plant featuring a 33.8m ContiRoll Generation 9 press and capacity of about 1,000 cubic m per day.
Indian wood-based panel producer Elixrr Industries has produced its first medium-density fibreboard (MDF) at a new plant supplied by Siempelkamp, marking the company’s entry into MDF production.
The first board was produced on 16 Aug at the greenfield facility, which features an 8ft by 33.8m ContiRoll Generation 9 continuous press. The press has a maximum production speed of 2,000mm per second and is designed for output of about 1,000 cubic m of MDF boards per day.
In terms of press length and capacity, the installation is the fifth of its kind in the Indian market. Siempelkamp said the project gives it a significant lead in terms of installed capacity in India.
The plant also brings several Siempelkamp technologies to the Indian market for the first time. These include the Contitherm Neo mat preheater and a cut-to-size system featuring a Siempelkamp book saw.
The wood preparation section includes a new chipping line with a feeding system combining chain conveyors and flat belt conveyors. At its centre is a drum chipper, a technology already used in wood-based panel plants worldwide. The line incorporates Siempelkamp’s latest available design features.
Digital process control is another feature of the new plant. An AI-based closed-loop solution uses artificial intelligence to optimise press performance and board quality while helping to reduce production costs.
The project follows the signing of a contract between Elixrr Industries and Siempelkamp in Dec 2024. For Elixrr Industries, the completion of the plant represents its move into MDF production, with the new capacity aimed at supplying the furniture, interior and construction sectors.
“This is our first investment in a plant for the wood-based panel industry. As such, it was essential to give the selection of a suitable partner a careful and thorough consideration. We are pleased to have carried out this project with Siempelkamp, our trustworthy and reliable partner,” said Saurabh Goel, director of Elixrr Industries.
Raman Poddar, president of Elixrr Industries, highlighted the importance of project execution and technical support.
“For us, reliability specifically means that a partner is capable of managing a project from start to finish with competence, strength, and a commitment to quality. Siempelkamp has taken on this project ownership and has provided us with excellent advice and support,” he said.
Rananjoy Mitra, director at Siempelkamp India, said the first board marked a milestone in the companies’ collaboration.
“It is an honour for us to celebrate this day with Elixrr, as we look back on our constructive collaboration with our customer and its project team. We are proud to support Elixrr in meeting its high standards for high-performance and reliable production technology,” he said.
All images courtesy of Siempelkamp.
