In this work an integrated model for paper plants combining wet-end and dry section is developed and a model predictive control scheme based on the plant model is proposed. Closed-loop process identification method is employed to produce a state-space model. Thick stock, filler flow, machine speed and steam pressure are selected as input variables and basis weight, ash content and moisture content are considered as output variables. The desired output trajectory is constructed in the form of 1st-order dynamics. Results of simulations for control of grade change operations are compared with plant operation data collected during the grade change operations under the same conditions as in simulations. From the comparison, we can see that the proposed model predictive control scheme reduces the grade change time and achieves stable steady-state.