Reflections after the PM1 Upgrade – Almir Muftić

After completing one of the most important projects in recent years — the reconstruction of paper machine PM1 — we asked our Production Manager, Almir Muftić, to share his thoughts.

As the production manager for paper, he was involved in every step of the process, from preparation and team coordination to testing and the final restart of production.

Below, we share his insights and reflections on what this investment means for Natron-Hayat and more importantly, for our clients, who can now expect improved quality and reliable delivery of our products.

A Fresh Start for PM1

After completing this project, the feeling is that we’ve accomplished something significant. It was a real challenge, dismantling the entire old system almost from scratch, then installing new equipment and bringing it to full functionality in a very short time. Behind us are months of intense preparation and hard work, but it’s precisely this success that motivates us to keep moving forward. This was an opportunity to show how much we can achieve as a team, and also to open the door to new technological challenges.

Reliable Quality, Every Time One of the biggest benefits of this investment is the new, fully automated equipment that enables us to achieve consistent product quality. Our customers can now rely on premium-grade paper — every single time. This improvement wasn't just a necessity; it was a clear signal of where we’re headed and how we want to evolve our products.

A Partnership That Delivers

Our partner on this project was Valmet, a long-standing collaborator who once again proved why we trust them. Throughout the entire process, their expertise and professionalism were outstanding. We had clear communication, well-defined responsibilities and a shared focus on results. Their dedication was a key element in the success of this project.

What’s Next for PM1?

The current focus is on process optimization, further stabilization of production, and detailed monitoring and analysis of the results achieved. At the same time, we are planning activities that will further improve the energy efficiency and productivity of PM1. The long-term goal is for the machine to reach a capacity of 250 tons per day, while maintaining the highest possible paper quality. This is just the introduction to the next major step.

The PM1 reconstruction is not the end, it’s the beginning of a new phase. Every upgrade, every improvement is aimed at one goal: to provide our customers with a reliable product, consistent quality and a partnership they can count on. Your feedback is our compass. It helps us improve, become more efficient, and stay closely aligned with your needs. We will continue to work with dedication, transparency and the same spirit of collaboration — because we believe true value is created when we grow together.