Finnish mining and tunnelling equipment manufacturer Normet is entering the year with a record-high order backlog and plans to increase hiring at its main production site in Iisalmi. The company says demand for its machines and services has strengthened across several markets, prompting plans to recruit around 50 additional employees.
According to the company, its order book is now roughly a quarter higher than a year ago. Production volumes are rising at the Iisalmi facility, where most of the company’s manufacturing takes place. Normet also expects revenue to increase this year and exceed 500 million euros.
Hiring is planned to meet rising demand
To handle the higher workload, Normet intends to recruit around 50 people at the Iisalmi factory. The new roles will mainly focus on assembly workers and electricians, along with staff in logistics and support functions.
Part of the recruitment will be supported through training initiatives. Assembly workers are currently being trained through a dedicated course at the Upper Savonia Vocational Institute. According to available information, 13 participants are enrolled, and the course will conclude in the spring.
Normet says its goal is to strengthen the workforce with permanent hires. At the same time, the company indicates that some positions could be filled through temporary staffing arrangements depending on production needs.
Export markets drive production
More than 95 per cent of the machines produced at the Iisalmi plant are exported, the company states. In addition to Finland, Normet operates production facilities in Chile and India and supplies equipment to mining and infrastructure projects worldwide.
While relatively few entirely new mines are being opened globally, existing mining operations continue to expand. This, according to the company, is sustaining demand for equipment used in underground mining and tunnelling. The company’s owner and chair, Aaro Cantell, points to a strong market situation in Australia, while identifying Canada as a region where the company aims to grow further. Parts of Africa are also seen as offering future potential.
Capacity under pressure at the main plant
Normet is described as the largest private employer in Iisalmi. The company employs around 480 people in the town, including roughly 250 in production and about 230 in office and support roles.
The factory has approximately 15,000 square metres of production space, and capacity is currently heavily utilised. Production is operated in two shifts, but planning allows for parts of the operation to move to three shifts if demand continues to rise.
Cantell expects the next few years to remain strong for the company,y but notes that the mining sector is historically cyclical and influenced by global economic conditions.
The current expansion reflects continued investment in underground mining and infrastructure projects, sectors that remain sensitive to commodity prices, construction activity and geopolitical developments. Despite the positive order situation, the company signals awareness of potential market swings.
Source: Yle.
