Scotland’s Fourstones Paper Mill has increased its annual production capacity by 34,000 tonnes after commissioning its new paper machine – PM6 – at its Sapphire Paper Mill in Leslie.
The line is equipped with advanced technology including a Crescent Former, a fabricated Steel Yankee cylinder, and a high-temperature drying hood.
It began producing tissue in March 2025 and has a trim width of 2.75m and an operating speed of 1,700m/min.
Fourstones integrated PM6 with existing stock preparation systems to expand its capability to recycled grades.
The first recycled paper reels were produced in August 2025, with trials confirming the machine’s ability to move between virgin and recycled production to meet changing market needs.
The investment increases Sapphire Paper Mill’s annual capacity to over 60,000 tonnes, producing virgin and recycled toilet tissue and towel grades for the consumer and AfH markets.
Owner and Managing Director Peter Duxbury said: “The new paper machine is a step change in the company production capability and opens up a new sector of the market for us.
“The products we are producing are of a very high quality and are being well received in the market.”
The project represents the largest investment in the company’s history, with more than 70% of the expenditure spent in the local economy.
