Metso expanding mill liner capacity in Australia

Espoo, Finland – Metso is expanding its rubber and wear parts production capability in Australia: installing a ‘mega-class press’ at its Canning Vale production facility, the Finnish company has announced.

The new unit at the Western Australia facility is specifically designed to produce large mill liners and will be operational in the fourth quarter of this year, according to the 18 June release.

Metso, which claims to be the only mill liner manufacturer in Australia, described the country as a key market in which it has a “strong mill installed base.”

Manufacturing critical wear parts closer to customers improves efficiency and contributes to a more sustainable mining industry, added Metso.

The manufacturer further noted that the reduced transportation footprint aligns with its commitment to environmental responsibility and minimising CO2 emissions. 

The expansion "will enhance our customer service by reducing lead times, enabling quicker deliveries, and improving support for customers' rubber wear parts,” said Stuart Sneyd, president Asia Pacific, Metso.

According to Metso, the mega-class press will significantly enhance its ability to produce very large Megaliners – up to 4.5m x 3.2m coverage – with weight limits defined solely by the customer’s installation capacity. 

The mega-class press, it explained, can produce larger and heavier parts enables faster and safer mill relines, delivering improved mill availability and in turn increased production for customers.

The added flexibility of the simultaneous production of multiple liners will lead to greater manufacturing efficiency, reduced costs and shorter lead times, the company also stated.

The new project in Australia complements Metso’s regional rubber and Poly-Met production network, including factories in Concón, Chile; Lima, Peru; Irapuato, Mexico; Sorocaba, Brazil; Alwar, India; and Siauliai, Lithuania.