Fourstones commissions PM6 at Sapphire Mill, boosting UK tissue capacity with virgin and recycled grades. Fourstones Paper Mill has successfully commissioned its new paper machine, PM6, at the Sapphire Paper Mill site in Leslie, Scotland.
PM6, which began producing tissue in March 2025, is equipped with advanced technology, including a Crescent Former, a fabricated steel Yankee cylinder, and a high-temperature drying hood. With a trimmed width of 2.75 m and an operating speed of 1,700 m/min, PM6 has been designed to combine high capacity with consistent, high-quality output.
Building on this success, Fourstones took the decision to integrate PM6 with existing stock preparation systems to expand its capability to recycled grades. The first recycled paper reels were produced in August 2025, with trials confirming the machine’s flexibility to move quickly between virgin and recycled production to meet changing market needs.
The investment increases Sapphire Paper Mill’s annual capacity to over 60,000 tonnes, producing both virgin and recycled toilet tissue and towel grades for the consumer and away-from-home markets.
In line with its sustainability commitments, Fourstones exclusively manufactures FSC® certified grades, including sought-after FSC Recycled 100% options, supporting responsible forestry and ethical supply chains.
Owner and Managing Director, Peter Duxbury, states “The new paper machine is a step change in the company production capability and opens up a new sector of the market for us. The products we are producing are of a very high quality and are being well received in the market”
The project represents the largest investment in the company’s history, with more than 70% of the expenditure spent in the local economy. The additional machine has created over 25 full-time jobs and will continue to support economic growth in the region.
This investment underlines Fourstones’ commitment to sustainable growth and to supporting UK converters with reliable, high-quality UK paper for years to come.
Company Overview
Fourstones Paper Mill is a privately owned UK based manufacturer of tissue paper and disposable paper hygiene products such as centrefeed (blue roll) and toilet rolls.
Fourstones services multiple paper converting operations within the UK as well as operating it’s own paper converting operations.
Key Numbers: Established: 1763 – Staff: 202 – Sites: 3 – Paper Machines: 4 – Converting Lines: 8 – Annual Paper Manufacturing Capacity: 60,000+ tonnes – Turnover 2024/25: £38.5 Million
Brands: Sapphire®: AFH Rang – Purdi®: Consumer Range – Honest®: Environmentally Conscious Range
Contact Information: Kevin Duxbury – Head of Marketing – E: Kevin.duxbury@fourstonespapermill.co.uk – Website: www.fourstonespapermill.co.uk
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