Rio Tinto opens new US $5 million metal powder annealing facility in China
June 4, 2014
Rio Tinto has confirmed the opening of a new metal powder annealing facility in Suzhou, China. The US $5 million investment will expand Rio Tinto’s metal powder capacity by 8,000 tonnes a year and help meet demand from China’s rapidly developing market.
“The opening of this plant is an important milestone for Rio Tinto’s Iron & Titanium business and a unique opportunity to participate in a rapidly growing market. Today we are seeing growth in demand for our powders product by more than 10% a year in China,” stated Alan Davies, Rio Tinto Diamonds and Minerals Chief Executive.
Rio Tinto Suzhou was established in 2005 and, in addition to the new annealing furnace, consists of a metal powder blending and packaging operations. “I am proud of the success of the local Rio Tinto Suzhou team in developing this new plant, using Chinese contractors and suppliers to deliver on budget and schedule, without a single lost time injury,” commented Bob Wang, Rio Tinto Suzhou General Manager.
“This investment will allow us to reach more of our customers – more efficiently, more reliably and more cost effectively. In partnership with our customers, we hope to grow our business in China even further,” added Wang.
