Construction of Valmet's Technology Center in China progresses: Stonelaying ceremony

Published Aug 28, 2000 00.00.00 +2 GMT

Construction of the new Valmet Technology Center in Wuxi, about 100 kilometres west of Shanghai, is progressing according to schedule. The stonelaying ceremony, arranged on August 28, was attended by about 80 guests. The office and workshop premises will be ready for use in spring 2001. During the construction period, Valmet will be operating from a temporary office located opposite the building site, starting business operations on August 28, 2000.

Valmet's first deliveries to China date back to the late 1950's. During the years, China has emerged as one of Valmet's key market areas, with some 20 full-scale high-technology paper, board and tissue production lines and appr. 100 other major projects delivered. Therefore, this major strengthening of local service operations is a vital link in Valmet's full commitment and support to the development of the Chinese pulp and paper industry.

According to Mr Jari Kiiskinen, Managing Director of Valmet (Wuxi) Technology Center Co., Ltd., the Center's mission is to help and support the Chinese pulp and papermakers by providing them high value services for the whole lifecycle of their machinery. These services cover, for example, testing and analyzing, service packages, and a wide range of specialized services and solutions for process improvements and upgrades for all types and makes of fiber and papermaking machinery. Among others, the customers will have access to the latest roll technology through the Center's fully equipped roll workshop. In addition, the Center will feature spare parts and consumables service. The center will also provide extensive back-up for Valmet deliveries.

In China, Valmet Corporation is today established in Xian and Beijing. The joint venture company, Valmet Xian Paper Machinery Co. Ltd., has been operating for 10 years serving both Chinese and international customers. In Beijing, Valmet runs a sales office. The most recent addition to Valmet's Service Center network in the Asia-Pacific area, Valmet Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd., started operations in January 1998. Valmet's service network covers all the most important market areas in the world, including 31 service centers on four continents, and employs approximately 2,800 persons. On August 21, Valmet announced its plans to expand its service operations also in Brazil. Additionally, Metso Corporation's automation and control technology business area operates in Shanghai.

Metso Corporation's fiber and paper technology business area, Valmet, is the world's leading supplier of technology, systems and equipment for the pulp, paper, converting and panelboard industries. In 1999, Valmet's net sales were EUR 1.7 billion and it employed 10,600 persons.

Metso Corporation is a global supplier of process industry machinery and systems. Metso's business areas are fiber and paper technology, automation and control technology, and machinery. The net sales of Metso Corporation were EUR 3.4 billion in 1999 and the personnel totaled approximately 23,000. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki and New York Stock Exchanges.

For additional information, please contact: Mr Jari Kiiskinen Managing Director Valmet (Wuxi) Technology Center Co., Ltd. Tel. +86 510 522 5939 or +86 139 515 80151, jari.kiiskinen@valmet.com