Pulp & Paper Drives, Motors & Automation Solutions

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IDS are ABB Inverter specialists. We specify, install, commission, repair, service and hire variable speed drives.

Pulp and
Paper
Solutions

Drives, Motors, PLCs and Power Factor Correction

The pulp and paper industry demands precise speed control, high torque and continuous operation across complex, multi-stage processes. From stock preparation and pulp production to drying, finishing and converting, energy efficiency and uptime are critical to maintaining quality and profitability.

At IDS, we deliver complete electrical and automation solutions for pulp and paper operations – including variable speed drives, ABB motors, PLC and HMI control systems, condition monitoring and power factor correction.

We provide a full service offering: specification, supply, installation, commissioning, repair, servicing and drive hire. Our expertise helps mills and converting plants improve efficiency, reduce downtime and lower energy costs across every stage of production.

Variable Speed Drives for Pulp and Paper Applications

Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) deliver the precision and reliability required for synchronised control of multiple machine sections – essential in high-speed paper and board production. IDS supplies and supports ABB industrial drives designed for high-torque, continuous-duty environments.

Typical applications include:

Stock preparation and refiners
Pumps and agitators
Vacuum, process air and fan systems
Presses, coaters and calenders
Dryers and oven fans
Slitters, cutters and sheeters
Unwind, rewind and winder sections
Wrapping, stacking and palletising lines

At IDS, we specify, install, commission, repair, service and provide hire drives, ensuring efficient, reliable and safe operation throughout the pulp and paper process.

ABB Motors

As an authorised ABB partner, IDS supplies and supports a full range of ABB electric motors, engineered for long life and dependable performance in high-load, continuous operations such as pulp and paper production.

View ABB Motors

IE5 SynRM Motors – Ultra-Premium Efficiency

Pulp and paper production is energy intensive. ABB’s IE5 SynRM motors, when paired with ABB drives, provide outstanding efficiency and performance while reducing energy consumption and emissions.

Key benefits include:

Ultra-premium IE5 efficiency – up to 40 % lower losses than IE3 motors
High torque at low speed for precise control of web and process equipment
Cooler operation for extended bearing and insulation life
Low vibration and noise improving plant safety and comfort
Reduced maintenance and downtime for continuous production

These motors are ideal for refiners, fans, vacuum pumps, calenders, rollers and winding systems.

Learn more about ABB SynRM motor and inverter packages

Condition Monitoring

In continuous production environments like pulp and paper, proactive maintenance is essential. ABB’s Condition Monitoring for Rotating Equipment provides real-time visibility of motor and drive health, enabling early fault detection and planned intervention. IDS helps mills move from reactive to predictive maintenance, improving uptime and process reliability.

Explore ABB Condition Monitoring

PLC & HMI Control Systems

Precision automation and coordination are vital for process stability and quality control. IDS supplies and supports ABB PLCs and HMIs, providing accurate synchronisation between machine sections – from forming and pressing to drying and winding. Integration with SCADA systems ensures clear visibility and efficient control across the production line.

PLC & HMI Control Systems

IDS supplies and supports ABB PLCs and HMIs for intelligent control of site systems, from dewatering and ventilation to batching and conveyors. Simple interface design allows operators to monitor performance, adjust parameters and receive fault alerts with ease.

Power Factor Correction

Pulp and paper facilities often experience low power factor due to large inductive loads and motor-intensive processes. IDS designs and installs power factor correction systems to improve electrical efficiency, stabilise voltage and meet grid compliance requirements, reducing operating costs and improving system performance.

Pulp and Paper Sub-Sectors Served

IDS supports a wide range of operations across the pulp and paper value chain, providing reliable, energy-efficient motor and control solutions for:

Pulp production – stock preparation, refining, mixing and pumping.
Paper and board mills – forming, pressing, drying, coating and finishing lines.
Tissue production – converting, embossing, slitting and wrapping.
Packaging and corrugated board – cutting, gluing, stacking and palletising.
Printing and converting – laminating, slitting, sheeting and die-cutting.

Our tailored solutions ensure precise speed control, synchronisation and energy efficiency across continuous and batch processes alike.

Sustainability and Energy Savings

The pulp and paper sector faces increasing pressure to lower energy use and carbon emissions. IDS supports mills and converting plants with high-efficiency drives and IE5 SynRM motors that can reduce electrical energy consumption by up to 50 %, helping meet both cost and sustainability goals.

Our solutions help operators comply with:

ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme)
SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting)
Net Zero and Carbon Reduction Plans
ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems

Through intelligent motor control and real-time monitoring, IDS enables significant reductions in energy use, maintenance costs and environmental impact.

Integration with Mill and Plant Systems

IDS integrates ABB drives, PLCs and HMIs with existing mill control, DCS and process automation systems, using open communication protocols such as Modbus, Profibus and Ethernet/IP. This ensures coordinated control of multiple sections, precise tension regulation and energy reporting across the entire plant.

Maintenance and Support Services

IDS provides comprehensive lifecycle support for pulp and paper plants, including:

Planned maintenance and servicing for drives and motors
24-hour breakdown response and remote diagnostics
Energy and performance audits
Retrofit and upgrade support for legacy systems
Training for on-site maintenance teams

Our experienced engineers work with your operations team to minimise downtime and ensure critical production equipment runs reliably and efficiently.

Why Choose IDS for Pulp and Paper Solutions?

Over 25 years’ experience in drives, motors and process automation
Authorised ABB partner – providing genuine ABB products and certified expertise
Specialists in IE5 SynRM motors and high-torque, high-precision control systems
Full service capability: specification, supply, installation, commissioning, repairs, service and hire
Based in the Midlands, supporting pulp, paper and converting plants across the UK
Proven expertise in tension control, energy efficiency and process synchronisation

Improve efficiency, reliability and quality across your pulp and paper operations.

Contact IDS today to discuss ABB drives, IE5 SynRM motors and automation solutions tailored to your process.

Let's Talk

Contact IDS today to discuss ABB drives, IE5 SynRM motors and control solutions tailored to your building, site or facility.

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Alternatively, call 0115 944 1036 for 24/7 breakdown support or email [email protected]