Mining equipment manufacturer and supplier Metso announced in a press statement that it has expanded its global production footprint in its minerals consumables business area, after reviewing its manufacturing capabilities in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

As part of the initiative, Metso started personnel negotiations to review the implications at rubber and poly-met wear part production units in Ersmark and Trelleborg, Sweden.

“Our target is to use the full potential of the most efficient manufacturing methods and optimise sourcing opportunities and logistics. By developing our supply capabilities at the regional and global levels, we are actively responding to changes in the competitive environment, as well as improving our flexibility in fulfilling customers’ needs,” said Metso minerals consumables business area president Sami Takaluoma.

The negotiations concern the potential closure of the factory in Ersmark and the restructuring of the manufacturing operation in Trelleborg, and affect manufacturing-related functions, which could impact about 150 positions. Metso’s other operations in Sweden are not included in the scope of the negotiations.

The Ersmark and Trelleborg units produce rubber and poly-met wear parts used in the mining industry. In addition to Ersmark and Trelleborg, Metso operates nine factories manufacturing synthetic solutions globally.

Metso describes itself as a world-leading industrial company offering equipment and services for the sustainable processing and flow of natural resources in the mining, aggregates, recycling and process industries.

With its knowledge and innovative solutions, it assists its customers in improving their operational efficiency, reducing risks and increasing profitability. 

Metso is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki in Finland and had sales of about €3.2-billion in 2018. It employs over 14 000 people across 50 countries.