In March 2024, Metso opened its largest service center globally in Karratha, Western Australia. Strategically located in the Pilbara region, a top global supplier of iron ore and lithium, this state-of-the-art facility provides mining customers with comprehensive maintenance and repair solutions. The first year of operation has been an impressive success with customers, underscoring the significance of the investment.
“We are committed to being closer to our customers and offering them state-of-the-art services. Our investment in Karratha, Australia has been exceptionally well-received by our customers, who appreciate the expert team and agile, comprehensive services we offer locally," says Stuart Sneyd, President of Asia Pacific at Metso.
As the Karratha service center is open 24/7, it enables Metso to support its local customers, efficiently and safely handling both scheduled maintenance tasks and urgent repairs. This level of support helps minimize customer downtime and keeps their equipment at optimal performance through all lifecycle stages.
By extending the operating life of assets, increasing energy and water efficiency, and minimizing plant downtime, Metso supports customers in achieving their financial, environmental and safety objectives. “By locating our service center closer to our customers in the Pilbara, we significantly reduce the reliance on long-haul freight. This cuts down on kilometers traveled by heavy vehicles, aligning with Metso's sustainability goals to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions from our operations by 2030,” Sneyd continues.
Local market-leading service capability
The Karratha center services heavy mining equipment including crushers, screens, mills, HIG mills, HPGRs, and car dumpers, among others. It is equipped with advanced amenities including high-capacity cranes, CNC machines, a heat treatment furnace, heavy fabrication and welding facilities, and assembly stations. The service center spans 35,000 m², including a workshop covering 5,000 m². These service capabilities are made possible by an investment totaling approximately EUR 32 million (AUD 52 million). In addition to its service centers in Australia, Metso also has a network of test centers, manufacturing facilities, a foundry and a smelting pilot plant in country to locally service its customers’ needs.
Working environment with enhanced safety
Employee safety is a top priority for Metso. The operational model and layout of the center are designed to uphold and implement the highest safety standards. Equipped with modern state-of-the-art tools, craneages, and advanced equipment, the center ensures a safe and efficient working environment for all employees.
“The workforce comprises over 70 percent Karratha locals, with some of our Perth-based FIFO team relocating to Karratha. We are here for the long term and have implemented programs to support employee satisfaction and retention in Karratha. As a statement of great progress, Metso Australia has recently been awarded the Great Place to Work® certification,” says Chris Gadeke, Regional Manager, Repairs Operations Pilbara region, Metso.
Metso also offers apprenticeship programs at the Karratha service center, which not only support its operations but also contribute to the local community's growth and development.
Metso services global presence
Metso is committed to continuous development and investments in its service and repair capabilities, ensuring customer proximity on a global scale. Recent announcements include the expansion of the service center and establishing a Metso Training Center in Mesa, Arizona, USA. Additionally, a new service center in Western Canada (operational in 2026), a repair center expansion in Chile (operational first half of 2025), and construction of a new service center in Peru have been announced.
