Metso opens largest service centre in Western Australia

Located in Pilbara, which is a top supplier of iron ore and lithium in the world, the centre serves mining and aggregates customers with comprehensive maintenance and repair solutions. The inauguration ceremony was held on 21 March 2024.

“The opening of the new centre is an important milestone and further proof of our commitment to accelerate strategic investments in serving customers from pit to port. Strengthening our presence to offer increased productivity, shorter lead times, and environmental advantages, will allow us to take service capabilities and customer experience to the next level,” said Sami Takaluoma, President, Services Business Area, Metso.

The Karratha Service Center, backed by an investment totalling approximately €32 million (AUS$52 million), spans a 35 000 m² area, including a workshop covering 5000 m².

Equipped with advanced amenities such as high-capacity cranes, CNC machines, a heat treatment furnace, welding facilities, and assembly stations, this centre has received significant customer support. The centre will be able to service a wide range of heavy mining equipment, including crushers, screens, mills, HIG mills, HPGRs, and car dumpers, among others.

The centre also contributes to customers’ sustainability goals. By extending the operating life of assets, increasing energy and water efficiency, and minimising plant downtime, Metso helps customers in achieving their environmental and safety objectives. Further, by minimising the need for long-haul freight between Perth and the Pilbara region, the centre reduces carbon emissions and offers faster access to critical spare parts. This not only benefits the environment, but also enhances operational efficiency.

“This is a long-term and significant commitment to the Pilbara region and the communities here. We are extremely pleased that our local customers are already expressing considerable interest and confidence in our services. Metso has a significant installed base of equipment and a strong reputation in Asia Pacific; every day over 900 processing plants rely on Metso’s technology. By utilising Metso’s service know-how and expertise, genuine parts, exact materials, and OEM specifications, customers will achieve significant business and sustainability benefits,” added Stuart Sneyd, President, Asia Pacific, Metso.

The Karratha Service Center features a dedicated training facility, offering tailored programmes to enhance the technical expertise of mining professionals. The centre will provide long-term stable employment to skilled personnel from the local communities, including trades, service engineers, and experts. An apprenticeship programme targeting the local community is also planned for the centre. In Asia Pacific, Metso contributes to the creation of more than 1250 jobs, which will be further strengthened with the opening of the Karratha Service Centre.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/21032024/metso-opens-largest-service-centre-in-western-australia/