Metso Minerals is restructuring it’s consumables wears manufacturing operations in North America and discontinuing it’s factory operations here in North Bay.

In a release, the company says production will be ramped down by the end of June 2021.

North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Peter Chirico says his heart goes out to the 65 employees in North Bay are being impacted.

He says the work must begin so a new tenant can be found for the building next year.

“Out of every bit of bad news hopefully there will be a silver lining and we’re able as a city and as a mining industry source out someone to fill out that building,” he says.

Metso Outotec will utilize the existing North and Central American manufacturing footprint in order to serve customers.

“We are continuously developing our global supply footprint to ensure sustainable and profitable growth. To close a factory is a hard but necessary decision, and we realize that it will have implications on our employees. We will work to support them through the transition,” says Sami Takaluoma, President, Consumables business area at Metso Outotec.

Chirico says the mining industry has taken a lot of hits over the last few years and this is another one and COVID-19 hasn’t helped either.

“Decisions are going to be made and with the ability to change production companies are looking for efficiencies. And unfortunately it’s very unfortunate this has become one of those efficiencies,” Chirico says.

The North Bay unit produces rubber and poly-met wear parts used in the mining industry.

 

(Photo by Jeff Turl/BayToday.ca)

Filed under: City of North Bay, Metso Minerals, Metso Outotec