Metso, a major provider of technologies and services for mining, metal processing and stone crushing, manufactures mining and industrial filters in Lappeenranta, Finland.

Located on the shores of Finnish Lake Saimaa the factory was established in 1977, when Larox Oy, founded by Nuutti Vartiainen, started manufacturing mechanical pressure filters in Lappeenranta.

Tomi Ravattinen, who is responsible for the development of Metso Oyj's tailings sand business in Lappeenranta, says that Larox© filters are still an important part of the company's product range.

- The product portfolio includes around 15 different filter models," says Ravattinen.
- The filters are manufactured at our plants in Lappeenranta and Turku in Filand and Suzhou, China. The Larox© products in the range, PF and FFP pressure filters and RT vacuum filters are still mainly manufactured in Lappeenranta.

 

Metso's filtration business employs a total of about 550 people, of which more than 200 are based in Lappeenranta. More than 5000 filters have been delivered around the world.

A company of people

Ravattinen has been working at Metso's Lappeenranta plant since 2002. He says the company is much the same as it was 20 years ago, even though the ownership has changed a few times.

As a student, I did a thesis for the company and that's the path I stayed on," he says.

- The majority of Lappeenranta's employees come from the Lappeenranta area, although internationality is important.
- From the beginning we have relied on quality and high technology and these traditions are respected.
- Our main value is to help the customer forward with pride, but not arrogance.

The Vartiainen family sold Larox's products and business to Outotec in 2009. When Metso and Outotec merged in 2020, the company briefly carried both names Metso Outotec.

- As a result of the merger, both the filter and the non-filter product range have been further developed and are now highly diversified. They offer the right water reduction or filtration solution for every customer.

In 2022, the company name was changed to Metso. The Larox spirit and spirit of doing things is still there. According to Ravattinen, the unit is doing a great job and is trusted, even in the light of the figures, which is reflected in new investments, among other things.

- Over the years, the Lappeenranta plant has undergone numerous development measures," says Ravattinen.
- For example, we have invested in a DTC (Dewatering Technology Center) research and development center, a filter plate factory in Mexico, improved and expanded office space and developed automation solutions, and a while ago we introduced a new laser welding unit. These upgrades have ensured that we have been able to respond well to the evolving demand for filter supply, spare parts and service, and have been able to grow well over the last few years.

Ravattinen also thanks the City of Lappeenranta for its pro-business policies and for the employment and study opportunities in the city for families of foreign specialists, for example.

Reliability and sustainability at the core

Reliability and quality require continuous testing. In Lappeenranta, testing is carried out in our own test centre (Dewatering Technology Center, DTC).

- We have carried out around 15 000 filtration tests in our unit," says Ravattinen.
- Because we have a wide range of filters, we can test with different sludges to see which model works best in each customer's process.

In testing, as well as in product development, there is ongoing collaboration with the local LUT university. The links with the educational institutions are otherwise close and the company has access to the experts it needs.

Sustainability and environmental protection have taken precedence over quality and customer satisfaction in the company's values. The products are used, for example, in the mining and process industries, where reducing the carbon footprint is of real importance.

- We want to play our part in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius," says Ravattinen.
- Our "Planet Positive" approach to reducing emissions also helps our customers with their emission reduction targets - most of them are aiming to become carbon neutral.

Metso's recipe for sustainability is sustainable and energy-efficient equipment and services. Thecompany is constantly developing its products to make themmore energy and/or water efficient than others and to use renewable energy.

Ravattinen's own speciality, the filtration of tailings, also plays an important role in sustainability.

- The tailings produced in the mining industry's beneficiation process are, in a way, waste that cannot currently be recycled," says Ravattinen.
-Recently, its processing has improved dramatically and in the future we could see it being reused in the construction industry, for example.

According to Ravattinen, Metso's filter solutions can be used to dry blast furnace sands in large quantities.

- The process is safe, environmentally friendly and has low operating and life cycle costs.
- The end result is material suitable for reuse, which in some cases is even in short supply.

Ravattinen sees this not only in terms of ecological sustainability, but also in terms of social and economic sustainability.

- The impact of mining on people's lives is significant, and as technology develops, we will be able to create a better mix of economic growth, safe quality of life and respect for the environment in a more sustainable way.

Metso is a pioneer in sustainable technologies and integrated solutions and services for rock crushing, mineral processing and metal refining worldwide. We improve our customers' energy and water efficiency, increase operational productivity and reduce environmental risks through our product and process expertise. Together, we create positive change.

Metso Lappeenranta focuses on water reduction and filtration products, technology and manufacturing. Metso Lappeenranta is committed to helping the city of Lappeenranta become climate neutral by 2030.

Metso is headquartered in Espoo, Finland. The company has more than 17,000 employees in nearly 50 countries, and its turnover in 2023 was approximately EUR 5.4 billion. The company's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. metso.com, x.com/metsoofficial