Equipment report

Metso celebrates 150 years

Helsinki-based Metso celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2018. The company began in 1868 and has evolved through a series of mergers, acquisitions and divestments. With operations in more than 50 countries and more than 12,000 employees, Metso says it is truly a global industrial company providing the world’s mining, aggregates, recycling and process industries with innovative solutions for the sustainable processing and flow of natural resources.

During its 150 years, Metso has been involved in businesses ranging from steam engines, locomotives and forest machines to valves, metal and waste recycling equipment and solutions for rock and mineral crushing and screening. The company says aggregates and minerals processing is one of its core areas.

Metso has acquired a long line of industry pioneers that have been key components of the company’s history, it says. For example, Bruno Nordberg, a Finnish migrant who settled in Michigan, produced some of the first crushing equipment for mines. In 1928, Nordberg acquired the Symons cone crusher technology, an innovation that revolutionized crushing practices in the mines and quarries, Metso says. Bergeaud & Bruno, another key pioneer now part of Metso, was established in France in 1895 to manufacture crushing equipment. Lokomo, now also part of Metso, produced its first jaw crushers in Tampere, Finland, at the beginning of the 1920s.

The amalgamation of Svedala Industri Ab into Metso in 2001 and the introduction of solutions like primary gyratory crushers, grinding mills and vertical shaft impactors helped the company create a full-scope offering for crushing and screening equipment.

“Thanks to our strong installed base and close cooperation with our customers, we have been able to continuously develop our services, equipment and systems to best meet the needs of our customers,” Metso says in a news release announcing its anniversary.

The company’s latest innovations for this sector include Life Cycle Services, energy-efficient HRC high-pressure grinding technology, Megaliner mill linings, the MXTM Multi-Action cone crusher and Lokotrack Urban jaw crushing plan.

Metso says its current R&D efforts focus on digitalization, sustainability and energy efficiency. The company says it will soon introduce its cloud-based, remote monitoring and data visualization service for mobile crushing plants called Metso Metrics to mining and recycling processes.

Metso says its metal recycling offering rests on a strong platform built on Lindemann, Texas Shredder and N-Series technology, covering a wide range of efficient solutions for the fragmentation, compaction and separation of different types of metal scrap.

The company says its acquisition of M&J Industries in Denmark in 2010 made it a leading supplier of solid waste recycling equipment.

In flow control, Metso says its solutions are built on Neles and Jamesbury valve solutions. Antti Nelimarkka and Eino Santasalo established Neles Oy in 1956. The first Neles valves were originally designed for the needs of the pulp and paper industry. Soft-sealed Jamesbury valves, Mapag valves (now part of the Neles product portfolio), valve controllers and globe valves were later added to the portfolio to complement the offering, according to the company. Today, various process industries, including the pulp and paper sector, use the company’s flow control products and services to run their processes.

To celebrate its 150th anniversary, Metso organized a photo exhibition at Sanomatalo, Finland’s Mediatori illustrating how the company has taken part in shaping and building the modern world. The exhibition, which ended on Sept. 30, featured photos, stories and insights into how the world and the industries Metso works with have changed over time. A timeline of the company’s history is available at www.metso.com/company/history.

Steinert US names new president/CEO

Walton, Kentucky-based Steinert US, which provides sorting and separation technology for the mining, plastics, recycling and industrial/municipal scrap metals markets, has named Andreas W. Ernst as its president and CEO.

Ernst has more than 20 years of experience in the global capital equipment and machinery industry, having spent much of his career with Sennebogen LLC. His expertise focuses on developing and leveraging strategic relationships across markets and regions to drive sales, marketing and servicing strategies, Steinert US says in a news release announcing Ernst’s appointment.

“I am excited to join Steinert, a company that embodies my core values—putting the customer first, always keeping your word and supporting passion, diversity and real innovation,” Ernst says.

Ernst has been an active member of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) for many years. He currently serves as chair of the Equipment and Service Providers Council and vice chair of the Convention Committee.

Alta Equipment to send techs to global finals of Volvo CE competition

Alta Equipment Company, Detroit, announced it is sending three service technicians to the global finals of the Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) Masters Competition in March. The Volvo CE Masters Competition is designed to honor the top technicians around the world who work at Volvo CE dealers, based in Gothenburg, Sweden. Two Alta teams tied for second place in the regional finals, beating out other teams from around North America.

The Volvo CE Masters competition is open to Volvo CE dealer technicians with a focus on know-how and practical knowledge. The aim is to help employees develop and improve their knowledge, skills and ability to work as a team. Teams are judged on technical and parts systems knowledge, proper handling of tools and demonstration of Volvo’s brand values. More than 3,500 parts and service technicians started in the competition. The finals will include technicians from dealerships representing the Asia Pacific, the Americas, China, Europe and the Middle East.

“Our company is built on customer service, and to have Alta Equipment Company represented at the global finals of Volvo’s Equipment Masters Competition is a testament to the technical aptitude and service our customers receive at all our service locations,” Alta CE President Rob Chiles says. “I’m extremely proud of the team we’ve assembled at Alta. Their knowledge and dedication are obvious, and I’m excited to see them bring home a victory.”

While two Alta teams made it to the regional finals, only three individuals will be sent to represent the company at the global finals in Eskilstuna, Sweden: Jeff Puehler, Nate Pierce and Jeff Yaek.

“Parts and service are at the heart of all successful businesses within our industry,” Kyle Huss, the vice president of product support for Alta, says. “We invest in the best and take tremendous pride in training our technicians and providing the very best parts and service tools the industry has to offer. Reaching the global finals is proof of all the hard work that Jeff (Puehler), Nate (Pierce) and Jeff (Yaek) put into the competition.”

“I can’t tell you what an honor it is to make it to the global final. These guys work hard every day—and now the entire Volvo global community will get to see the Alta difference,” Mike Ruiz, the technical support manager for Alta, says. Ruiz coached the team throughout the competition.

Bandit hosts 35th anniversary celebrations

More than 350 dealers, customers and special guests attended Bandit Industries’ 35th anniversary celebrations at its world headquarters in Remus, Michigan, Sept. 12.

That celebration included tours of Bandit’s facilities, a behind-the-scenes look at the process of building the company’s wood processing equipment and a demonstration of more than two-dozen machines, some of which were new.

“We couldn’t properly celebrate 35 years without our dealers who are committed to providing the best support and our amazing customers who have stood with us over the years,” Jason Morey, Bandit sales manager, says. “But Bandit Industries is a success because of the hardworking men and women who show up every day to build these machines.”

After the event’s attendees left, Bandit opened its doors to the mid-Michigan community for an open house Sept. 15. Nearly 800 guests attended and experienced machine demonstrations and plant tours.

Bandit says it has had an amazing 35 years, and there are new, exciting opportunities in the future. With the recent announcement of the company becoming employee-owned, the company says excitement is at an all-time high for Bandit employees and the community.

Learn more about Bandit Industries by visiting www.banditchippers.com or calling (800)952-0178.