Fast-growing Finnish mining and tunnelling company Normet is active in 19 countries. Industry Europe’s Emma-Jane Batey spoke to Gary Clench, general manager Normet Africa, to see how the Group is rapidly expanding across Africa.
T
he global market leader in its mining and tunnelling segments, Finnish-based technology, machinery and chemicals company Normet employs over 700 people worldwide. With operations in 27 locations, including its own sales and service companies on five continents, the Group’s net sales were €170 million in 2011. Normet provides advanced solutions for selected customer processes in underground mining and tunnel construction environments, with a clear focus on life-time care and high quality. Gary Clench said, “Normet is committed to delivering excellent, reliable service to our customers worldwide. As we continue to grow, our reputation grows with us. With our increasingly global presence highlighting how we must offer a local service with local knowledge, we can call upon our strength as a global business to make that happen.”
Famous name Well-known as a mining and tunnelling equipment and chemicals group, Normet is growing steadily and strategically. Mr Clench heads up the company’s operations in Africa, which has
been going from strength to strength in the year since it was established. He continued, “Our strategy is to stay close to our customers – wherever they are in the world. As one of the most important mining markets in the world, it is important that Normet has a presence in sub-Saharan Africa. We have continued to strengthen our presence across Africa since opening our own sales and after-sales support office in Johannesburg.” Normet Africa offers exceptional service and back-up to its customers across subSaharan Africa, ‘from Tanzania downwards’, with all the hard rock mining applications covered. Mr Clench continued, “As mining and tunnelling markets in Africa are growing, our own entity and resources will allow for a more focused market approach and growth strategy. We have our own sales personnel for equipment and spare parts together with technical support and service personnel to support our existing and new customers.” The Johannesburg office for Normet Africa is destined to provide a complete ‘one stop shop’ for its customers across the continent. Offering new machine sales, the ability to
rebuild machines, spare parts and technical assistance, Normet Africa also manufactures a range of chemicals locally and exports them throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Mr Clench explained how the investment in Normet Africa highlights the Group’s commitment to the region. He said, “We believe our long-term commitment to our new and existing customers throughout sub-Saharan Africa is clear from our investment in building up our own resources and presence in Africa. With local production for construction chemicals now up to speed, we can respond more flexibly and effectively to our customers’ needs. We can also share our extensive
Industry Europe 159
