From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Minerals and aggregates process solution company Metso, in partnership with specialist fabrication company Efficient Engineering, has launched its screening fabrication, assembly, testing and painting facility, in Germiston, in Gauteng, to provide localised solutions for mining screening, addressing the need for tailored products to meet regional requirements. Sabrina Jardim tells us more.

Sabrina Jardim:

As a first of its kind for Metso globally, the new facility includes a site area of 4 250 m2 and a workshop area of 2 550 m2, housing a workshop and a training centre to upskill Metso staff and local customers.

The facility aims to enable the local manufacture of products such as vibrators, as well as enable testing, assembly and painting of Metso screening products. The facility also allows for the storing of inventory to ensure quick delivery and turnaround times.

Speaking at the launch on January 16, Metso head of screening in Europe and Africa, Adrian Wood noted that the facility reflects Metso’s regional screening approach, which aims to use well-proven global technology to produce locally required products and services.

He explained that Metso’s focus is on tailoring existing global technologies to meet local requirements.

Metso head of screening in Europe and Africa, Adrian Wood…

Metso product manager CNS Claes Larsson…

Metso screening project and design engineer Michael Montgomery…

Sabrina Jardim:

The company has split its responsibilities with Efficient Engineering, whereby Metso will provide vibrators and drives, screening media through locally based third-parties and test sign off.

Efficient Engineering will be responsible for fabrication, assembly, testing and painting.

Metso technical sales support manager Jan Venter…

Sabrina Jardim:

Also speaking at the launch, Metso screening business line VP Jouni Mähönen discussed the company’s shift from a global to a regional strategy, focussing on providing local expertise and tailored product offerings based on individual regional conditions.

While the facility will help optimise the supply chain through quicker delivery times, Mähönen also noted that operating locally contributes to Metso’s sustainability goals by minimising the need for imports, thereby reducing the company’s carbon emissions.

Metso head of screening in Europe and Africa, Adrian Wood…

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.