Outotec’s research centre in Pori, Outotec Research Oy, took part in the Finnish Excellence Quality Awards and received the prestigious Recognised for Excellence award. The centre achieved a score of over 500 points, which entitles the winner to use the five-star Recognised for Excellence, R4E emblem. For a long time, Outotec Research has worked systematically to improve its operations. When the centre received Quality System certification in 1994 it was the first company in the field of research and development to do so in Finland. An occupational health and safety system was introduced in 2005. An upgrade in 2007 replaced the environmental management program used since 1998. In addition, some of the centre’s laboratory operations have been accredited as official ‘measurement laboratories’. Self-assessment has been used as a tool for developing operations since 1999.

Outotec Research is a business-oriented research and product development unit, which develops metals production technologies, processes and equipment. Its expertise covers the entire processing chain from ore to metal. The centre employs 180 people, 30 of whom have a doctorate degree. It was founded almost 60 years ago. “Years of systematic development work and continuous operational improvement has produced many important technological solutions for our customers’ use,” says Outotec CEO, Tapani Järvinen.