Metso eyes divestment of loading and hauling operations

Metso is reviewing the future of its loading and hauling operations currently based in Finland and Sweden. The evaluation is part of Metso's target to align its offering with businesses that have a global scale and financial performance that supports the company's ambition.

As part of this process, Metso is planning to divest its loading and hauling operations to an external party. If a suitable buyer cannot be found, the company will consider discontinuing and winding down its operations in Finland and Sweden. These operations have approximately 110 employees, the majority of whom are based in Finland.

Metso will immediately initiate the consultation processes in Finland and Sweden in accordance with country-specific legislation to address the planned changes and their potential impacts. Any decisions and further steps will be taken only after the local union negotiations have been completed.

The loading and hauling business has operations in Kokkola and Kalajoki, Finland, as well as in Luleå, Sweden. The unit produces, among other things, truck bodies, buckets, and ground-engaging tools for various applications in both mining and aggregates.

"These types of considerations are never taken lightly, hence this announcement comes after a careful evaluation. We recognize and highly value the dedication and professionalism of our employees in the loading and hauling business. We believe that the business' value and future potential can be best realized under new ownership. We will work actively to identify the interested parties. During this process, it goes without saying that we will actively take care of our customer commitments," says Saso Kitanoski, president, consumables business area, Metso.