Metso is continuing to strengthen its presence in China by acquiring a manganese steel foundry (JX) in Quzhou City, Zheijang Province some 400 km Southwest of Shanghai. The acquisition of JX will improve our capabilities to supply wear parts to our mining and construction industry customers in China and other markets in Asia Pacific.
"The acquisitions of JX and Shaorui Heavy Industries Ltd. and the joint venture with LiuGong Group Corp. Ltd, announced last November, significantly strengthen our supply capabilities for mining and construction industries in China. Metso now has a complete range of capital equipment and wear parts covering a wide range of customer requirements. By acquiring a new steel foundry in China we are able to better serve the needs of our Chinese customers", states Andrew Benko, President, Mining and Construction, Metso.
"We already have the most extensive services hub and distribution network in our industry. With this acquisition we will strengthen our manufacturing presence in China and further develop our services business. We will improve our capability to supply wear parts to our mining and construction customers close to their operations and increase the flexibility and resilience of our wear products supply chain. We intend to use the acquired site as platform to further develop our services capabilities in China", says João Ney Colagrossi, President, Services business line, Mining and Construction, Metso.
The transaction covers the acquisition of assets of Quzhou Juxin Machinery Co., Ltd and Quzhou Chixin Machinery Co., Ltd from the current owner and his associates. The acquired assets and approximately 275 employees are expected to be transferred to Metso as of closing. The value of the acquisition will not be disclosed. The transaction is subject to the relevant regulatory approvals, which are expected in the next few months.
Metso currently has five foundries and an extensive network of external casting suppliers serving the mining and construction industries. Our foundries are located in Ahmedabad, India; Isithebe, South Africa; Prerov, Czech Republic; Sorocaba, Brazil and Tampere, Finland. JX has, until now, been a supplier to Metso.
The year 2013 marks Metso's 80-year anniversary in China. The company's first contract from China, a paper machine delivery, was signed in 1933. Today, Metso has a strong and well-established presence in China. Metso has recently strengthened its presence in the Chinese construction equipment market through a joint venture with LiuGong Group Corp. Ltd. and an acquisition of Shaorui Heavy Industries Ltd. Our 3,200 employees in China address local customer needs in all Metso's key customer industries, and support the sustainable development of China's industries and infrastructure.