Automated lubrication for Europe’s most advanced bioproduct mill

How Europe’s most modern bioproduct mill future‑proofs itself with smart lubrication

When a company builds a multi‑billion‑euro facility, lubrication cannot be left to chance. That’s why Metsä Fibre — a leading producer of wood‑based bioproducts — turned to SKF when constructing the most efficient wood‑processing plant in the northern hemisphere.
With an investment of €2.02 billion, the new bioproduct mill in Kemi sets new standards: no fossil fuels, 2 TWh of renewable energy, and closed loops for water and chemicals. But a plant of this scale brings a major technical challenge: more than 2,500 lubrication points, extreme weather conditions, and a construction site with up to 4,000 workers.
Metsä Fibre needed a partner with the expertise — and the “muscle” — to handle lubrication systems of this magnitude. Together, Metsä Fibre and SKF developed automated lubrication solutions that were precisely engineered and seamlessly integrated from concept to installation. Flexibility, clear communication, and shared quality standards were essential to completing the project despite harsh conditions and complex infrastructure.
The result: automated lubrication reduces human error, increases equipment reliability, and minimizes downtime. The project was completed with zero accidents, and Metsä Fibre now benefits from long‑term cost savings, improved safety, and a future‑proofed operation.

Technical facts:
- Technology based on SKF Muurame’s dual-line grease systems SG2
- Automatic lubrication for 2,500 lubrication points
- Lubrication is channelled on a need basis of different time cycle
- The scope of delivery includes application engineering, materials, installation, and commissioning.

Main components:

- SKF Maxilube units 47 pce
- SKF Multilube units 14 pce hundreds lubrication doser groups
- ST2240 control units 16 pce
- MBP barrel pumps
- Several kilometres of lubrication pipes

Further Information at https://www.skf.com/group/products/lubrication-management

ST-2240-LUB

SKF Lubrication Control Centre ST-2240-LUB with sample connections

SKF Maxilube pumping centre

SKF Maxilube is a pneumatically operated pumping centre which consists of a combined hydraulic and control unit and barrel pump with accessories. SKF Maxilube is used for single, dual-line and progressive systems. It can be controlled and monitored by an integrated control unit IF-105; a separate multichannel control centre (SKF ST-1240, SKF ST-1340 & SKF ST-1440) or with SMS-messages.

SKF Multilube

SKF Multilube pumping unit for centralised lubrication system with progressive distributors. Lubricant greases NLGI 000 – NLGI 2. VPB distributor range 0,2 cm3. VPK distributor range 0,05–0,6 cm3. Dual lubrication channel available

ST-2240-LUB-open

SKF Lubrication Control Centre ST-2240-LUB

MPB pump

Magnetic-valve-operated air-operated barrel pump on a lubricant barrel.

MPB

MPB pump unit

MPB with Maxilube

MPB pump with Maxilube pumping unit