Finnish manufacturer Metso will be discontinuing its rubber parts manufacturing operations in Ersmark, Sweden, in order to review its manufacturing capabilities in the European, Middle East and African (EMEA) region. The Ersmark plant produces rubber and mill lining wear parts for conveyors and heavy materials handling in the mining industry. Metso revealed that the plant will cease production in phases from the second quarter of 2020 with full closure expected soon after; about 150 manufacturing-related positions will be lost as well.
This year’s September negotiations about the Swedish rubber and poly-met wear part production units led to the conclusion that plant closure is “the only feasible solution” and enables “a sustainable transition” for the Ersmark site. The closure will further allow Metso to restructure its synthetic parts manufacturing operations in Trelleborg, Sweden.
Metso’s President, Minerals Consumables business area, Sami Takaluoma, said the company’s strategy seeks to“improve productivity and reduce logistics costs by building on the most efficient manufacturing and sourcing opportunities at a regional and global level.”