Metso says a new US$50 million “cutting-edge” mineral concentrate filtration development hub in Mexico will boost regional product support and improvement.
The 8500-square-metre Irapuato facility, which employs about 75 people, makes polymer filter plates for mainly Larox filter plant sub-assemblies and new equipment. Metso said it was primarily focused on the Americas market but would also serve regions such as Asia-Pacific and Africa.
“Our new hub in Mexico marks a major milestone in enhancing our customer service capabilities,” said Metso North and Central America president, Giuseppe Campanelli.
“It strengthens our commitment to innovation and excellence and to providing tailored solutions that drive success and sustainability in our customers’ operations. With the capacity to support the entire filter portfolio for mining and other process industries, the hub leverages Metso’s unmatched expertise in dewatering technology.”
Metso beneficiation, dewatering and hydrometallurgy services senior vice president, Tomas Hakala described the polymer plates as “strategic and critical parts”.
“We will optimise capacity management and production planning for the entire filter plate manufacturing ecosystem with the goal of leading the way in efficiency and innovation,” he said.
Product development would focus on enhancing product features and exploring the use of alternative and recycled materials, “utilising circularity alongside virgin raw materials”.
Helsinki-listed Metso operates filtration technology centres in Finland and China and a dewatering technology centre and a ceramics filter plate factory in Finland.
