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

The facility is a first of its kind for the company globally and comprises 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 was on tailoring existing global technologies to meet local requirements.

“We're here today to introduce you to a proposed approach in which to develop our screening in Africa . . . we want to know what you need,” said Wood.

He noted that the company had split its responsibilities with Efficient Engineering, whereby Metso would provide vibrators and drives, screening media through locally based third-parties and test sign-off.

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

“If a customer has a challenge, we are able to offer a solution, and now we've got the solution right at their doorstep,” added Metso technical sales support manager Jan Venter.

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.

“Our global presence means that we are able to bring local expert capabilities close to our customers. This facility has provided a way for us to be closer to customers, to support them, to help them find the right solution and to build trust,” he said.

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

“We have a strong team here, strong capabilities, experts who are able to support our customers to be successful in their mining operations,” he said.