Global industrial company Metso has decided to close down its foundry operation, in Isithebe, KwaZulu-Natal, by the end of September.
The company in June announced that it had started considering available alternatives for the operation, as part of the evaluation of Metso’s global supply footprint development strategy in its Minerals Consumables business area.
The closure of the foundry, which produces metallic wear part castings for the mining and aggregates industries, will affect 200 employees.
Metso Minerals Consumables president Sami Takaluoma said in a statement on Wednesday that the closure was an unpleasant, but necessary, action for the company.
“We will focus on ensuring a sustainable transition for Isithebe, as well as uninterrupted service to our customers,” he added.
Metso still has five of its own foundries in Brazil, China, the Czech Republic and India, and an extensive network of external suppliers.