Metso has signed an agreement with GE Energy to acquire GE’s Lachine Main Plant, a heavy fabrication and machining facility located near Montreal, province of Quebec, Canada. The acquired assets will be integrated into the Metso Minerals business line.
The acquisition increases Metso’s supply capacity for large mining equipment. The heavy manufacturing space of approximately 25,000 m² features major machine tools and lifting power and is serviced by rail lines. The unit has recently been dedicated to the production of hydraulic turbines and power generation equipment. The facility can start the supply of the complete range of Metso’s mining process machinery immediately after the closing of the deal.
Approximately 200 skilled GE Energy employees are expected to transfer to Metso. Matti Kähkönen, President of Metso Minerals said: “that the current boom is likely to continue for years. Therefore investments in the supply chain are extremely important. The acquired capacity will allow us to provide our mining customers with quality products on attractive delivery times.
The availability of resources such as capital equipment and core components is an increasingly critical factor in the start-up of new mining projects. Following the Metso Park investment in India, which was announced in April, the Lachine acquisition further increases Metso’s capacity to serve its customers.
Two major comminution orders recently won by the company include one in South Africa. Metso will supply crushing equipment to Assmang for its Khumani iron ore mine in the Northern Cape. Delivery will be completed during the second quarter of 2010, valued at some €10 million.
The order comprises four large cone crushers for the mine’s expansion phase. These crushers will act in secondary and tertiary applications to complement Metso’s crushing equipment that was ordered and commissioned during the first phase of the project.
In Western Australia, Metso Minerals will supply crushing and screening equipment to Moly Mines for its Spinifex Ridge molybdenum project near Port Hedland in the Pilbara. The €9 million delivery will be completed during the first quarter of 2009, consisting of two secondary cone crushers and two mining screens with screening media and auxiliary equipment, as well as two feeders including a low head exciter mechanism. www.metso.com