Metso is investing €25 million ($29 million) in expanding its foundry capacity in Vadodara, India, as it looks to respond to increase demand for cast wear parts from the aggregates and mining industry.

The initial investment includes the acquisition of the property and foundry assets of a privately-owned foundry project, Mega Cast.

Sami Takaluoma, President, Minerals Consumables business area at Metso, said: “This investment fully aligns with our profitable growth strategy. It further expands our global manufacturing footprint in foundry products, improving our operational capabilities and allowing us to meet our customers’ growing needs both in terms of availability as well as reduced lead times.”

Metso said the foundry development will begin as soon as the acquisition of the foundry assets has been completed, with the first product deliveries from the Vadodara foundry expected by the end of 2019. From thereon, the production will ramp up quickly in 2020.

Metso launched operations in India in 1992 and has since been developing a strong footprint in the market. With local headquarters in Gurgaon, Delhi, Metso has around 850 employees in the country. Alongside the Alwar facility, Metso’s Indian aggregate sector capabilities are supported by a foundry in Ahmedabad, service centres in Bangalore and Faridabad, and a countrywide network of distribution centres.