Segezha Group advances reverse engineering to replace foreign equipment at Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill

Machinery

Image: Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill / Segezha Group

Segezha Group has launched an extensive reverse engineering program to maintain and upgrade its industrial equipment at Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill, the company announced in its Telegram channel. The initiative follows a halt in equipment supplies from Western manufacturers after sanctions were imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. As Western suppliers suspended operations, Segezha and other Russian forest industry firms have turned to Chinese manufacturers or in-house solutions to maintain production.

Before the sanctions, Segezha relied heavily on suppliers like Austria’s Andritz AG and Germany’s Voith for critical machinery. Andritz had upgraded cooking plant No. 4 and other fiber line equipment, while Voith installed paper machine No. 11 at Segezha’s facility. Since sanctions were introduced, Segezha has begun using reverse engineering—a process involving 3D scanning and digital modeling of machinery components—to replicate or improve parts that are no longer available. This method generates detailed computer-aided design (CAD) models that guide precise manufacturing.

The company plans to accelerate its import substitution strategy in 2024-25, targeting the replacement of key components such as press rolls and seals, as well as conducting repairs on the headbox of paper machine No. 9. According to Segezha Group, digital "twins," created through laser scanning, will facilitate the precise manufacturing of these parts. This approach aims to enhance production stability and further minimize dependence on foreign suppliers, the company stated.