01.07.2013 / Metso in China: 80 years of sustainable partnerships
Metso is celebrating its 80-year presence in China this year. 2013 marks 80 years since one of Metso’s predecessors, AB Karlstads Mekaniska Werkstad, received an order for a paper machine from Guangzhou Paper in 1933. Over the past eight decades, Metso has risen to one of the top global suppliers of technology and services to China’s core process industries, including mining, construction, pulp and paper, power, and oil and gas.
"We are very pleased to be celebrating 80 years of business and partnerships in China with our 3200 employees, more than 1500 customers, and other stakeholders in China. Our deep roots in the Chinese market, together with technology and comprehensive services and solutions, provide an excellent foundation for serving our customers and stakeholders. Helping our customers develop China’s infrastructure is one of the areas in which we have a lot to offer,” says Matti Kähkönen, Metso’s President and CEO.
2013 also marks the 60th anniversary of bilateral trade relations between China and Finland. On May 31st, Yu Zhengsheng, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference, visited Metso’s facilities in Helsinki, Finland. Chairman Yu Zhengsheng was particularly interested in environmental technology and, e.g., Metso’s biomass gasification plant. "We were honored to host Chairman Yu Zhengsheng’s visit to Metso,” says Metso’s Perttu Louhiluoto, President, Automation. “In the Chinese market, Metso’s Automation business offers solutions and services e.g. to the country’s energy and hydrocarbon industries and the pulp and paper industry. We are actively contributing to for example China’s pursuit of clean energy.” Metso is also contributing to China’s mining and construction industries. The company has announced a joint venture with LiuGong Group Corp. Ltd, as well the acquisition of Shaorui Heavy Industries Ltd. and a manganese steel foundry (JX).
As part of the anniversary, Metso launched an official Sina Weibo account in China, and a dedicated mini-site (www.metso.com/80years) emphasizing Metso’s history and achievements with partners in China.
