Skip to main content

Normet to invest over €7 million

Underground construction in the world is increasing, metal ores are mined deeper, and there is an ever-growing demand in emerging countries for metals, infrastructure and energy.
April 4, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
A Normet Charmec underground explosive charge places explosives
RSSUnderground construction in the world is increasing, metal ores are mined deeper, and there is an ever-growing demand in emerging countries for metals, infrastructure and energy.

All these trends support the continuation of global needs of specialised equipment for underground tunnel building, says 3708 Normet, a Finnish manufacturer of mining and tunnelling equipment, which is strengthening its local organisations (sales, marketing and customer service) around the world and by making substantial investments in R&D and production facilities.

Last year Normet underwent considerable restructuring resulting in a new distribution network with headquarters, Normet International, in Switzerland, and regional offices in Switzerland, Australia and the United States. Previously, the organisation sold 60% of its products through distributors and third parties, and now at least 80-90% of sales are conducted through its own subsidiaries.

"This year, the main emphasis of Normet's front line operations is on substantial improvement of customer service and support. The subsequent step is to focus on R&D, which will further strengthen our offering and position as a leading supplier of underground concrete spraying and charging solutions," says Aaro Cantell, chairman of Normet Group's board.

In three years, Normet has tripled its turnover and doubled the number of personnel. During the past year, the company has established 14 offices globally and now operates from 17 different locations worldwide with new locations in India, Singapore and Brazil planned in the near future.

"Over €7 million will be invested in manufacturing and in a technology centre. This will enable full-scale prototype manufacturing and testing, and increase our production capacity by 66%," says Jari Osmala, CEO of Normet Group.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Liebherr achieves record turnover in 2012
    April 10, 2013
    The Liebherr Group achieved its highest turnover in its history in 2012. Turnover climbed over than 9% to €9.1 billion, while the company invested a total of €840 million in its operations. The 2012 business year progressed well for the Liebherr Group. Although the reduced dynamism of the world economy had a noticeable effect on orders received in the final months of the year, this no longer influenced turnover significantly. The Group increased its total turnover in the past business year by more than €760
  • LiuGong embraces Industry 4.0
    November 27, 2018
    LiuGong chairman Zeng Guang’an says that the firm is fully embracing Industry 4.0 technology. Coupled with ongoing machine development, an expanding global sales and manufacturing network and long-established strong relationships with customers and suppliers, this is enabling the Chinese construction equipment giant to target RMB 50 billion (US$7.18bn) operating revenue by 2025. Chairman Zeng outlined the impressive scale of LiuGong’s future ambitions during an impassioned speech in front of an audi
  • Deere’s big Brazilian investment
    May 14, 2012
    Deere & Company plans to build two new factories in Brazil to meet growing market demand for its construction equipment products in Brazil and other South American countries. The total investment is approximately US$180 million with Deere investing approximately $124 million of the total.
  • Chinese manufacturers plan to compete globally
    June 18, 2015
    Chinese construction equipment firms have been building their operations in local markets – but are now looking to develop globally - Mike Woof writes In recent years Chinese construction equipment manufacturers have been able to capitalise on local demand in the home market. The rapid rate of expansion of transport infrastructure, fuelled by government spending, led to a massive need for construction machines. The country’s manufacturers have grown rapidly in size, investing enormously in factory capacity