With an eye on expansion and a new acquisition under its belt, Metso is on a mission to further solidify its position as a market leader in bulk material handling and automation.
Metso has been an industry leader in the bulk material handling industry for more than a century, with over 8000 machines installed globally.
The company provides state-of-the-art solutions for all mining and aggregates customers, focusing on safety, reliability, lowering environmental impact, and supporting its customers.
And in August 2023, Metso further enhanced its offering, acquiring Brouwer Engineering, an Australian firm specialising in providing electrical and control system integration services to the mining sector.
“Brouwer Engineering has extensive design and development experience with key software and hardware platforms, delivering fit-for-purpose end-to-end solutions using all major industrial automation systems, including PLC, SCADA, and HMI platforms,” Metso global engineering manager, bulk materials handling John Gupwell told Australian Mining.
“This acquisition has enhanced Metso’s automation and control capabilities for bulk material handling from mine to port.
“It is exciting times for our bulk material handling customers in Australia. We have a strong history and reputation in design, supply and servicing of rail car dumpers, apron feeders, belt feeders and conveyor equipment.
“So adding expertise in automation to our broad material handling offering, in areas such as stockyard machines, for example, really makes us a ‘one-stop-shop’ for our customers.”
Image: Metso
The Brouwer acquisition has seen Metso’s engineered solutions get stronger by the day, with the company testing and simulating solutions in its laboratory to ensure a successful outcome.
Metso is also equipped to design and integrate custom equipment from scratch or using components from other vendors.
“We can assess and update outdated control systems, ensuring safety and accuracy with the latest technology,” Gupwell said.
“Our experts evaluate existing conditions, redesign or create new systems as needed, and handle all aspects of execution, including equipment supply, installation, and commissioning. Metso ensures seamless integration of equipment and controls into our clients’ systems and in turn offers turnkey solutions.”
The application of automated control systems is a major part of Metso’s bulk material handling services portfolio, as it offers several advantages over human-controlled processes.
“Automated systems can perform repetitive tasks with consistent accuracy and speed, significantly reducing errors and waste,” Gupwell said.
“They minimise the need for human interaction leading to long-term cost savings, resource optimisation, waste reduction and improved energy efficiency.
“Additionally, automation and integration can manage dangerous tasks thus reducing the potential risk of injury to workers, and consistently follow safety protocols without deviation.”
Recent projects
Metso’s bulk material handling teams recently worked with a major customer to upgrade their car dumper.
The scope for Metso included the design, software development, installation, integration, and commissioning of the project.
“The upgrade delivered both operational and maintenance improvements to extend the life of the asset, improve safety, and reduce future costs,” Gupwell said. “Our team was commended by the customer for completing the work ahead of time and without incident (over the 4000 man hours required for the project).
“Our clients can see the benefits of having a one-stop shop for the design, supply, installation and commissioning for these important projects. It means they don’t have to manage multiple agencies during a time-constrained plant shutdown, completing the job safely.”
After-sales support
Metso also offers comprehensive before- and after-sales support so customers know they will be looked after for the entirety of the project, no matter where they are located.
“Our team manages the entire process – from design and service to equipment replacement at the end of its lifecycle,” Gupwell said.
“Metso has a large service footprint throughout Asia Pacific, with our service centres strategically located close to our customers.”
This not only improves speed of support but also brings sustainability benefits to the table, as customers can minimise emissions from needing to ship large components over long distances for repair.
Metso’s Karratha service centre, the company’s largest service centre globally, opened in March 2024.
“This state-of-the-art centre is well positioned to support all customers’ offsite repairs in the Pilbara,” Gupwell said.
“Our after-sales support also includes a large team of field service engineers for onsite servicing, repairs, and retrofitting with new technology.
“We are determined to offer best-in-class solutions and support to our customers.”
With customers already experiencing the benefits of Metso’s acquisition of Brouwer Engineering, it’s certainly an exciting time for Metso as it continues on its mission to deliver safer and smarter solutions in the realms of bulk material handling and automation.
“Some people may not be aware that our bulk material handling services extend to stackers, reclaimers, shiploaders and long-distance cable belt conveyors,” Gupwell said.
“So adding this expertise in automation to our broad material handling offering, plus our large footprint in after-sales service, really underlines Metso’s commitment to offering maximum support to our customers.”
This feature appeared in the October 2024 issue of Australian Mining.
