Metso, renowned for its excellence in mining equipment and services, has recently opened its largest service centre worldwide in Karratha, Western Australia. Located in the heart of the iron-ore rich Pilbara region, this new Karratha Service Centre demonstrates Metso's commitment to offering services closer to its customers and delivering operational excellence. The Centre was officially opened in March and is already receiving significant customer support.

Guided by its focus on putting customers first, Metso's decision to establish the Karratha facility aligns with its strategy of investing in key mining regions. This AUD$52 million investment strengthens Metso's global network of over 140 service locations, which employ more than 3,000 field service professionals globally. Metso has long focused on accelerating investments which best serve its customers. In the past year alone, the company has significantly expanded its services in Chile, Peru, and USA. The Karratha Service Centre is the company's largest facility across its global network.

"The Karratha Service Centre really shows our customer-first approach," said Stuart Sneyd, Metso's President for Asia Pacific. "By placing this facility in the Pilbara, we are ensuring our customers have access to the expertise and resources they need to maximise the performance and uptime of their operations."

"We already have a large installed base in the Pilbara, and we wanted to offer services closer to our customers here," Sneyd added. "We are extremely pleased with the confidence and support from our Pilbara customers to date and look forward to delivering services excellence here through our new centre in Karratha."

The Karratha Service Centre specialises in delivering OEM-quality repairs and refurbishments that strictly adhere to Metso's exacting global specifications. Built on a 35,000m2 block, the 5,000m2 workshop is the Pilbara's latest one-stop-shop for all services related to mining in the regions. The Centre offers state-of-the-art equipment including high-capacity cranes (up to 120T), CNC machines, a heat treatment furnace, welding facilities, and assembly stations. The Centre is capable of servicing a wide range of heavy mining equipment, including crushers, screens, mills, HIGmills and car dumpers, as well as ‘lighter duty equipment' such as, filter plate packs.

"Our focus is on delivering increased productivity, shorter lead times, and more sustainable solutions for our customers," explained Chris Brouwer, Senior Sales Manager for the Pilbara region. "With the Karratha Service Centre, our customers no longer need to transport equipment hundreds of kilometres to Perth for servicing, resulting in more efficient and economical operations."

Metso's dedication to sustainability is deeply integrated into the operations of the Karratha Service Centre. Through their comprehensive refurbishment services, for example, Metso directly support customers' sustainability objectives. Refurbishment projects are an efficient way to prolong the operating life of equipment, as well as boost energy and water efficiency, minimise waste, and reduce plant downtime. By helping customers improve their equipment availability and safety with the latest available technology, Metso ultimately helps contribute to its customers' sustainability goals.

Looking ahead, Metso envisions the Karratha Service Centre not only as a state-of-the-art repair centre, but also as a hub for knowledge-sharing and skill development. The facility includes a dedicated training centre aimed at upskilling local talent and fostering long-term employment opportunities within the community. Metso is also looking at apprenticeship programs and tailored training initiatives, to not only bolster technical expertise but also drive long term socio-economic growth in the region.

Stuart Sneyd highlighted the broader vision behind the centre: "Our objective extends beyond delivering exceptional service; we strive to cultivate enduring partnerships with our customers and communities, fostering innovation, sustainability, and prosperity in the Pilbara and beyond."

The opening of the Karratha Service Centre marks a significant milestone in Metso's journey to provide unmatched support to its customers while championing sustainability and community engagement. As the centre embarks on its mission to drive innovation and positive impact, Metso eagerly anticipates the feedback from its valued customers and the enduring legacy it will leave in the Pilbara region and beyond.

Find out more by visiting the Karratha Service Centre page: https://www.metso.com/campaigns/asia-pacific/service-centers/karratha-service-center