Abstract: A continuous papermaking machine including a headbox for discharging a suspension of cellulose fibers in water, a forming wire moving in a process direction, the forming wire receiving the suspension from the headbox such that a web is formed on the forming wire, a top former above the forming wire for upwardly removing water from the web, the top former comprising a lead out roll, a dewatering device below the forming wire and downstream from the top former, and an applicator positioned above the forming wire and downstream from the lead out roll of the top former, the applicator discharging onto the web a mixture that includes microfibrillated cellulose and a carrier.