Metso to close rubber parts plant in Sweden

Helsinki – Finnish industrial machinery maker Metso Corp. is discontinuing its rubber parts manufacturing operations for the mining industry in Ersmark, Sweden, the company announced 11 Dec.

Some 150 manufacturing-related positions will be affected at the site, which produces rubber and mill lining wear parts for conveyors and heavy materials handling in the mining industry. 

Production at the plant will be ramped down in phases from the beginning of the second quarter of 2020 with full closure expected in the third of the same year, Metso said.

The decision, said Metso, was made as part of a company move to evaluate its manufacturing capabilities in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

“Our strategy is to improve productivity and reduce logistics costs by building on the most efficient manufacturing and sourcing opportunities at a regional and global level,” said Sami Takaluoma, president, minerals consumables business area. 

Metso disclosed in September that it was in talks with its personnel to review the future of rubber and poly-met wear part production units in Ersmark and Trelleborg, Sweden.

Following the negotiations, the company came to the conclusion that plant closure was “the only feasible solution," Takaluoma added.

Metso will now focus on “a sustainable transition for Ersmark” as well as uninterrupted service to customers.

In the aftermath of the plant closure in Ersmark, Metso will restructure its manufacturing operations in Trelleborg, where it produces synthetic wear parts.