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

  • Sunward’s specialisation and export focus
    November 26, 2012
    For Sunward, specialisation and exports have been key – Mike Woof writes Sunward is one Chinese manufacturer that intends to further boost its presence in the export sector. The company has been successful in China and is now gearing up its export business, having had a major presence at various international exhibitions in recent years. He Jian of the firm said, “Now we are focussing on the international market and we want the brand to be more international.” The company was one of the first Chinese manuf
  • Hyundai invests in customer support for Europe
    December 4, 2024
    Hyundai is investing in customer support in Europe.
  • Enter the dragon: Changsha International Construction Equipment Exhibition
    July 12, 2019
    Changsha - one of China’s megacities - welcomed the global construction fraternity to the recent and first Changsha International Construction Equipment Exhibition
  • Volvo CE Q1 2013 net sales down 33% - but firm maintains profitability
    April 25, 2013
    Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) said sharply lower global demand, especially in the mining sector, during the first three months of 2013 had caused its 33% net sales decline in the quarter to US$1.829 billion (SEK 12,136mn). The Swedish construction equipment manufacturing giant’s operating income was also down in Q1 2013 to $75.38 million (SEK 500mn), compared to $314.97 million (SEK 2,089mn) in the first quarter of 2012, while operating margin was 4.1%, down from 11.6% in Q1 2012. Volvo CE said it