Metso Outotec says it will expand its filter assembly plant in Suzhou, China, to respond to global market demand.

The plant expansion will not only double local capacity in China to deliver high-quality filters for mining and other industrial customers, it will also provide additional space for the assembly of flotation drive mechanisms and mill reline equipment, according to the company.

The extended production facility is expected to open within a year and reach full capacity during the first half of 2024. With the expansion, the number of personnel working at the plant is anticipated to increase to around 60 experts.

Tero Tiainen, Director, Filter Manufacturing at Metso Outotec, said: “Filters are used in mining and industrial applications to separate solids from liquids. In Suzhou, we produce several of the different filter types we offer in our global portfolio. Originally, filter assembly in Suzhou began in 2009, and it has been operating at the same location ever since.”

Chuncai Qiu, Suzhou Plant Manager, added: “In connection with the expansion, we will also update our procedures for simplified processing, modular manufacturing and lean management to enable fast deliveries to our customers. This, combined with our established engineering, sourcing and production expertise in Suzhou will provide our customers with enhanced service and product quality.”

Metso Outotec’s filtration portfolio consists of 15 different filter types and services for hundreds of applications. Over 80% of the Metso Outotec filters are part of the company’s Planet Positive portfolio, mainly due to their efficiency in the recovery and reuse of water, the company says. The company has carried out more than 14,000 filtration tests and delivered more than 5,000 filters for various applications worldwide. Most of the filters are sold under the Larox® product name along with Metso Outotec corporate branding.