Metso Decides to End Rubber-Parts Production in Sweden

Metso Corp., a leading Finnish industrial products maker, has officially confirmed its decision to cease operations at its manufacturing facility located in Trelleborg, Sweden. The announcement, made on January 10, marked the culmination of a series of union negotiations that were set in motion following Metso's declaration in November to close down the Trelleborg plant. This particular facility specializes in the production of rubber parts specifically designed for materials-handling applications, with a notable focus on serving the mining sector.

The planned phased ramp-down of operations is scheduled to initiate in the second quarter of the current year, with the comprehensive closure anticipated by the third quarter. Presently, the Trelleborg site employs a total of 120 individuals, with 68 occupying roles directly tied to the manufacturing process. These 68 individuals are expected to be directly impacted by the closure decision.

Post-closure, Metso aims to retain around 50 employees in Trelleborg, albeit in different capacities, focusing on roles in product management, support functions, and other global responsibilities. The decision to close the Trelleborg facility followed a meticulous evaluation conducted by Metso, assessing the operation's viability at both regional and global levels. Key considerations during this evaluation included factors such as customer proximity, logistical considerations, and overall operational efficiency.

Heikki Metsala, President of Consumable Business at Metso, underscored the comprehensive nature of the evaluation conducted during the negotiations. He stated, "We concluded that discontinuing [the operation] in Sweden was unfortunately the only feasible solution." Metsala further elaborated that the phased closure approach was chosen to ensure a seamless transition, maintaining a focus on continued customer service while facilitating the relocation of production capabilities to other plants within the company's network.

Metso's strategic plan involves predominantly serving European customers from its existing factory in Lithuania, where production capacities will be bolstered to accommodate the additional workload. Notably, this marks the second instance of Metso closing down a rubber parts manufacturing facility in recent years. In 2020, the company ceased operations at a similar facility in Ersmark, Sweden, impacting 150 jobs.

Post the Trelleborg plant closure, Metso will continue to operate rubber and Poly-Met factories across various locations, including Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Peru, India, Lithuania, and Australia. This strategic realignment of its manufacturing footprint underscores Metso's commitment to optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing its responsiveness to prevailing market dynamics. The company remains agile in adapting its manufacturing network to align with evolving industry trends and demands.