Sappi

The upgrading and transformation of the Sappi Ngodwana mill near Nelspruit, South Africa, represents a strategic move by Sappi to gain the best possible value from its timber-derived products as the demand for chemical cellulose is projected to grow at 8% a year.
Project GoCell, as it is known, realised the expansion and modernisation of the Sappi Ngodwana mill to produce higher-value export cellulose products. The approx. 350 million Euro expenditure is part of Sappi’s strategy to invest in fast-growing, high-margin businesses that will offset the decline of coated paper consumption in mature markets.

The mechanical and electrical installations of batch digesters, presses, reflux condenser, feed tanks, ash-leaching plant and other equipment in the new fibre line as well as the construction of the digester building, a new control room and an office complex started in mid-2012 and has been completed by mid-2013.

As manager of the commercial department Ivan Janssen was responsible for all commercial and contractual site activities including co-ordination and follow up of contractual issues during the execution phase of the project. He successfully mediated the final account settlement and the project close out.