In March 2024, Metso opened its largest service centre globally in Karratha, Western Australia. Strategically located in the Pilbara region, a top global supplier of iron ore and lithium, this state-of-the-art facility provides mining customers with comprehensive maintenance and repair solutions. The first year of operation has been an impressive success with customers, underscoring the significance of the investment.
“We are committed to being closer to our customers and offering them state-of-the-art services. Our investment in Karratha, Australia, has been exceptionally well-received by our customers, who appreciate the expert team and agile, comprehensive services we offer locally,” says Stuart Sneyd, President of Asia Pacific at Metso.
As the Karratha service centre is open 24/7, Metso can efficiently and safely support its local customers, handling scheduled maintenance tasks and urgent repairs. This level of support helps minimize customer downtime and keeps their equipment at optimal performance through all lifecycle stages.
By extending the operating life of assets, increasing energy and water efficiency, and minimizing plant downtime, Metso supports customers in achieving their financial, environmental and safety objectives. “By locating our service centre closer to our customers in the Pilbara, we significantly reduce the reliance on long-haul freight. This cuts down on kilometres travelled by heavy vehicles, aligning with Metso’s sustainability goals to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions from our operations by 2030,” Sneyd continues.
The Karratha centre services heavy mining equipment, including crushers, screens, mills, HIG mills, HPGRs, and car dumpers. It has advanced amenities, including high-capacity cranes, CNC machines, a heat treatment furnace, heavy fabrication and welding facilities, and assembly stations. The service centre spans 35,000 m², including a workshop covering 5,000 m². These service capabilities are made possible by an investment totalling approximately EUR 32 million (AUD 52 million). In addition to its service centres in Australia, Metso also has a network of test centres, manufacturing facilities, a foundry and a smelting pilot plant in the country to local service its customers’ needs.
Employee safety is a top priority for Metso. The centre’s operational model and layout are designed to uphold and implement the highest safety standards. Equipped with modern, state-of-the-art tools, cranes, and advanced equipment, the center ensures a safe and efficient working environment for all employees.
“The workforce comprises over 70% Karratha locals, with some of our Perth-based FIFO team relocating to Karratha. We are here for the long term and have implemented programs to support employee satisfaction and retention in Karratha. As a statement of great progress, Metso Australia has recently been awarded the Great Place to Work® certification,” says Chris Gadeke, Regional Manager, Repairs Operations Pilbara region, Metso.
Metso also offers apprenticeship programs at the Karratha service center, which support its operations and contribute to the local community’s growth and development.
Metso is committed to continuous development and investments in its service and repair capabilities, ensuring customer proximity on a global scale. Recent announcements include expanding the service centre and establishing a Metso Training Center in Mesa, Arizona, USA. Additionally, a new service centre in Western Canada (operational in 2026), a repair centre expansion in Chile (operational in the first half of 2025), and the construction of a new service centre in Peru have been announced.
These strategic moves underline Metso’s commitment to providing top-tier service and local support to its customers, reinforcing the company’s position as a service leader in the industry.
Metso has an extensive service centre network with over 3,700 field services professionals, technical support, and more than 140 service locations on six continents. Metso supports its customers around the globe with a wide range of installation, commissioning, inspection, and maintenance services.
Discover more about the Karratha service centre and Metso’s maintenance services and repairs on the company’s website: https://www.metso.com/
