Metso has opened a new state-of-the-art distribution centre in Vina del Mar, Chile, to, it says, further improve its delivery performance and customer service.

The new centre will replace the unit that served the area. The modern centre will considerably increase Metso’s capability to deliver equipment, spare and wear parts and components, and will further strengthen the distribution and logistics network in Chile. The inauguration ceremony was held on June 6, 2024.

Eduardo Nilo, President, South America market area, Metso, said: “Our goal is to continuously improve customer satisfaction in all our activities and meet our customers’ expectations by providing market-leading solutions. Our target is to provide on-time delivery and increased service availability to ensure efficient and sustainable customer operations. The new distribution centre has a significantly larger storage capacity than our previous warehouse and it will strengthen the availability of critical spare and wear parts close to our customers in Chile and other countries in South America.”

The distribution centre is an example of how Metso can support the mining industry in moving towards the most advanced and sustainable practices, the OEM says. The facility operates primarily on renewable energy and uses sustainable packaging solutions, including returnable packaging and lighter plywood alternatives. Additionally, fully-electric vehicles and machinery complement this facility.

The distribution centre is located close to Metso operations in Concón, where the company has a modern rubber and Poly-Met factory and the recently inaugurated, unique circularity recycling solution for Megaliner™, Poly-Met™ and rubber liners.

Sami Takaluoma, President, Services business area, Metso, added: “The new distribution centre is Metso’s latest strategic investment for an important customer market and a concrete step towards our strategic target to become the preferred service provider in our industry. Our installed base in Chile and throughout South America is strong and the modern centre will strengthen our competitiveness as a provider of long-term service contracts.”

The new centre is operated by an external vendor, providing warehousing and efficient distributor support for Metso and its customers in the region.

Markku Eronen, Senior Vice President, Global Logistics Operations, Metso, said: “An efficient and optimised distribution centre network will increase availability, improve customer service and decrease CO2 emissions. We have distribution centres around the world, located close to customers utilising efficient and sustainable logistics routes. Our distribution centre strategy is based on utilising strong partners who have recognised global capabilities in providing competitive warehouse services. Their expertise enables us to further develop our customer service with maximum optimised reliability, safety and operative transparency.”