Metso expands Chinese crusher factory

Metso has expanded its crusher manufacturing facilities in Tianjin, China, which will double production capacity at the plant. The expansion strengthens the facility's position as one of the main manufacturing units in Metso's construction business line.

New jaw and cone crusher models will be added to the company's portfolio of crushers, and the factory will also start producing screens and feeders.

The expanded facilities comprise more than 3000 m² of manufacturing space and a new, separate office building.

In addition to the Chinese and Asian markets, the Tianjin factory serves Metso's mining and construction customers on a global basis.

Juhani Honkanen, manager of the Tianjin factory, said, "As the expansion enabled us to relocate our offices to new premises outside the factory, we are implementing a new plant layout that will boost the efficiency of our manufacturing operations. The effect on unit numbers will be significant - we're talking about the potential for several hundred new units each year."

He added the current small and medium-size Nordberg C Series jaw and Nordberg GP Series cone crushers will be extended to include larger models.

"New products such as the Nordberg TK Series feeders and Nordberg CVB screens are also being added to the Tianjin manufacturing plant," Mr Honkanen said.

Metso's Tianjin factory currently employs about 100 people and according to the company there is potential for further recruitment in the near future. Metso said the facility is having a positive effect on the economic situation in Tianjin - in addition to direct employment, about 300 other people, including sub-contractors and suppliers, are involved in production activities.

Metso is also celebrating the tenth anniversary of its mining and construction technology manufacturing activities in China. Metso began manufacturing crushers in Tianjin in rented premises covering 1700 m² in 1999. Metso-owned premises, covering more than 4000 m², were opened three years later.

The recent expansion increases the factory's total floor space to more than 7500 m², while the new building provides an additional 700 m² of office space.