As IM finalises its service vehicle article for the July issue, one of the biggest players in the sector, Normet, opened its modernised production facilities in Iisalmi, Finland yesterday. EUR1 million investment in modernized production facilities has already increased Normet’s assembly capacity by 30% and another 25% of growth is expected in the near future. Later this year Normet’s new technology centre will open.

“2009 was successful under the difficult circumstances. Even though turnover decreased from best-ever year 2008’s EUR107 million to EUR90 million euros, the operating profit remained at a satisfactory level of 7.8%. There were no layoffs, and employees were trained in low season. International operations of Normet continued to develop consistently last year. New sales and service companies were established in Indonesia and Canada, a representative office for ASEA’s market in Singapore and branch offices in Peru and India. India was the second biggest market area for Normet’s equipment sales.The company’s global market share grew in the underground tunnelling market. Mining machinery sales fell last year, but the underground construction sector remained strong, and it largely counterbalanced the reduction in the volume of mining machinery,” says Tom Melbye, President Normet Group.

“The next six months are looking good. The first half of 2010 has seen recovery from the recession and the order intake has increased considerably, indicating good sales volumes for the rest of the year. Mining machinery markets are gaining strength and the underground construction sales are to remain at a healthy level. Normet’s worldwide sales and service network with 24 branches in 15 countries will be our strength in global competition,” Melbye says.