Helsinki (Finland) - Metso is planning to invest approximately EUR 30 million to establish "Metso Park", a multi-functional industrial facility, in India. The new facility will host both Metso's own new operations and selected key suppliers. Metso Park will initially cater to meeting the rapid growth in demand for Metso Minerals' products and services in India. It will also have the capability to serve other Metso business. With the investment, Metso aims to enhance its logistics, inventory control, operational quality and productivity as well as supplier relationships. The implementation of the Metso Park concept is subject to regulatory approvals.
A new operating concept for the company, Metso Park will be located near the city of Alwar in the state of Rajasthan in northwest India and will include office premises, several workshops, warehousing and a logistics center. Partners operating out of Metso Park will establish their own workshops at the Metso site and will benefit from the infrastructure services provided.
Metso Park will initially manufacture mobile screening plants, pumps and rubber products for the construction and mining customers in India. Some products and components will also be exported. Operations at Metso Park are expected to commence in the second half of 2009, and the number of employees at the facility is expected to rise to 700 by 2012.
Late last year, Metso announced a EUR 12.5 million investment in expanding foundry and manufacturing operations and office facilities in India. Metso's net sales in India were approximately EUR 150 million in 2007. The company employs today some 700 people in India.
