ABB has been awarded a contract by DS Smith to provide electrification, automation, and digital solutions for a new stock preparation line at the Kemsley Paper Mill in Kent, UK. This initiative is a pivotal component of DS Smith’s £50 million investment aimed at boosting efficiency, minimising environmental impact, and supporting future growth at the facility.
Under the agreement, ABB will deliver the ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system, low voltage motor control centres, drives, motors, safety systems, and the digital software solution ABB Ability Asset Performance Management. These technologies will integrate with the mill’s existing ABB-installed control architecture, offering comprehensive visibility and control across operations. This integration is expected to expedite decision-making, enhance reliability, and optimise performance throughout the production process.
The new line, scheduled to commence operations in 2026, will supply recycled fibre to the paper machine PM3, which manufactures packaging-grade materials from entirely recycled content. The upgrade aims to significantly reduce water usage, carbon emissions, and waste generation, aligning with DS Smith’s objectives to eliminate landfill waste and reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030.
Adrian Clark, Electrical and Automation Development Manager at DS Smith Kemsley, remarked, “ABB has been alongside us on our journey of modernisation and ever-increasing sustainability in recent years, so we felt strongly that their proposed solution would fit with our priorities for the new line. We want a fully integrated, mill-wide system that minimises complexity and maximises continuity with existing operations. Our latest step with ABB begins now, and we trust in the team alignments and the results they will achieve.”
Paul Clark, Account Manager for Pulp, Paper & Fiber at ABB’s Process Industries division, stated, “The scope of this project and the trust placed in ABB reflect our ability to bring together electrification, automation, and digitalisation in one cohesive package. In doing this, we’re helping to futureproof one of Europe’s most important recycled paper mills.”
DS Smith’s investment at Kemsley is designed to deliver long-term sustainability and operational improvements. This project is a significant milestone in the company’s broader digital and environmental strategy at the site.
As a trusted partner to the global pulp and paper industry, ABB continues to support leading manufacturers in their transition towards safer, smarter, and more sustainable operations by combining domain expertise with integrated technologies to enhance performance at every level.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalisation expertise, ABB helps industries operate at high performance while becoming more efficient, productive, and sustainable. With over 140 years of history and more than 105,000 employees worldwide, ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Nasdaq Stockholm. www.abb.com
