For Normet Group, one of the worldwide leading manufacturers of mining and tunnelling machinery, 2008 was the best year in its history. Its turnover reached 107 million euros, representing a growth of 38% and an increase in the value of the orders of 43% compared to 2007. With 83% of sales outside Europe, the company’s reorganisation in 2007 proved to be a success. The number of employees increased by some 30%, and at year-end just exceeded 450 people.
Continued strong growth
“Signs of a declining mining market started to show since November 2008. However, the operations in the tunnel market remain active, as many countries allocate their development programmes in infrastructure projects. The demand for Life Time Care services has likewise remained at a good level”, says Jari Osmala, CEO of Normet. “During the early part of this year, Normet’s turnover has slightly increased compared to last year. We started the year with a good order book from last year and have also received a fair amount of new orders thanks to the booming tunnelling market.”
Normet will continue its expansion activities during the recession. New sales and service companies will be established, product development resources will be increased, and the development of the service business will be further strengthened.
International progress
During 2008, Normet continued the development of its international operations and currently counts 23 locations in 15 different countries throughout the globe. Two corporate acquisitions involved Semmco in Chile, a manufacturer of concrete sprayed Concrete equipment, and Rock-Tek in US, a specialist in spare part and service operations.
“The next step will be to deepen our knowledge of the customer processes and to expand our offering accordingly. The objective is to continuously increase the added value which the customer obtains from his Normet investments in his work processes,” says Aaro Cantell, Chairman of the Board of Normet Group. “Normet wants to be the global top-of-the-range expert in sprayed concrete and explosive charging processes and to provide customers with solutions to improve productivity, safety and added value,” adds Tom Melbye, COO of Normet.
“The duration of the global financial crisis is still unknown, but the need for underground mining operations and infrastructures will continue, and will grow rapidly, too," concludes Osmala.
Further information:
Jari Osmala, CEO
tel. +358 400 646 611
jari.osmala@normet.fi
Tom Melbye, COO
tel. +41 79 449 85 55
tom.melbye@normet.fi
Aaro Cantell, Chairman of the Board
tel. +358 400 706 072
aaro.cantell@normet.fi