Metso biggest recent investment in China a technology center specialized in automation solutions was inaugurated in Shanghai on May 28th. The ceremony was attended by the, Ms Tarja Halonen President of the Republic of Finland.

Mr Jorma Eloranta President and CEO of Metso Group said “This new center strengthens our ability to serve our customers especially in China and Asia Pacific, and confirms our confidence in the local market growth. In Shanghai area we already have several production and customer service units.”

The new center, located in Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, comprises multifunctional premises for the total scope of automation solutions, including a state of the art valve factory assembly and supply functions, and an automation systems testing facility. In addition, the unit houses the local sales, services and product support.

The new valve factory is serving customers especially in China and in other parts of Asia Pacific. The factory is also manufacturing products and components for Metso are other valve factories in order to support the growing demand globally.

Mr Pasi Laine President of Metso’s Energy and Environmental Technology said “In the pulp and paper industry, we are already the leading automation solutions supplier in China. We have also an established market position in other process industries, like oil and gas, where we expect the demand to grow.”

Automation solutions are essential in monitoring, controlling and optimizing industrial processes. Likewise, they have a key role in environmental protection by enabling production plants to increase their efficiency and capacity with lower emissions. Initially, about 300 professionals will work in the technology center. The number of employees is estimated to increase to 650 by 2013.

With net sales of EUR 538 million in 2009, China was Metso second biggest market. The company employs close to 3,000 people in China in 24 local subsidiaries and sales and service outlets.