End-to-end mining solutions company Metso has expanded its global bulk material handling (BMH) network with the inauguration of its new regional hub in Cape Town, South Africa. The new centre delivers expanded engineering expertise and access to advanced automation technologies for BMH and port customers across the African region. The establishment of the hub marks a further step in Metso’s ongoing strategic journey to invest in BMH capabilities in key markets.

The Cape Town Hub strengthens Metso’s leadership and deep customer connections across Southern Africa, supported by a strong and expanding installed base of Metso equipment. With a fully functioning, same-time-zone organisation, customers can expect faster technical support, quicker issue resolution, and improved proximity to operational needs.

Market Expansion and Talent Development

Metso has been serving South Africa’s logistics infrastructure company responsible for the port, rail and pipeline network Transnet for decades. “Bringing technical support closer to the operation is a practical step towards improving reliability and performance, and this partnership with Metso enables us to do that in a more structured and sustainable way,” says Transnet Port Terminals CE Jabu Mdaki.

“The African market is growing rapidly, and strengthening our regional presence is essential. Metso is well-recognised among the key companies in the region, reflecting our longstanding reputation and trusted partnerships within the local industry,” says Metso Africa market area president Ian Barnard.

A team of about 60 employees provides customers across Africa with comprehensive support covering lifecycle services, modernisations and technical support. In addition to creating direct employment, Metso generates significant added value for the local economy by using the services of consultants, suppliers and contractors.

Further, the hub contributes to the development of regional industrial capabilities, particularly among young professionals, and supports skills growth across the local workforce. The investment strengthens the operating environment for port solutions in South Africa and across the African region more broadly.

Full Lifecycle Support

Backed by over a century of expertise and more than 8 000 BMH installations globally, Metso stands at the forefront of the bulk material handling industry.  This inauguration builds on Metso’s global network and continued development for this industry, including the recent acquisition of electrical and automation engineering company MRA Automation to expand Metso’s capabilities in advanced automation and digitalisation technologies.

These capabilities will now be deployed in Africa enabling customers to adopt digital tools that enhance reliability and optimise materials handling performance. Metso has also expanded its North American footprint by establishing an engineering hub in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the US.

Metso’s bulk material handling offering includes railcar dumpers, apron feeders, belt feeders, conveyors, stackers, reclaimers, ship loaders and unloaders, cable belt conveyors, smart automation and more.

Renowned by customers for its expertise in designing, supplying, and comprehensive products and services across the full lifecycle, Metso provides best-in-class solutions, purpose-built to address customers’ evolving operational needs.