Focused on the Future

Metso is expanding from a traditional machine supplier to a comprehensive supplier of know-how services and customers' core processes. We focus on improving the efficiency, quality and competitiveness of our customers' core processes by supplying value-adding solutions and services based on our strong RTD, engineering and manufacture skills.

Metso's transformation from an equipment supplier into a knowledge-based technology company means that Metso will increasingly not only supply machines but provide customers with technology and solutions aimed at improving the performance of customers' industrial core processes.

The growth of Metso Minerals by acquisition was the most significant technology event of 2001. It added entirely new technologies to Metso's technology portfolio and made Metso into a full-scope supplier of rock and minerals processing technology. It offers Metso the opportunity to develop into a technology leader and industry shaper in minerals processing as well as fiber and paper technology.

Technology management was strongly developed during 2001 with the aim to establish a Metso way to operate. The technology strategy, executed by the technology board, establishes common focus areas for technology development. This ensures that resources are allocated in a justified manner. The new technology metrics, to be introduced in the beginning of 2002, provide an objective way of assessing the output of the specified technology input. Focused technology development is aimed at helping Metso to attain its profitability targets.

The year in review also marked significant progress in implementation of synergies between Metso Minerals and Metso Automation. Applications of embedded automation and remote service technology to rock and minerals processing were developed in several projects. The work continues.

Information and communications technology are inextricably involved in Metso's transformation into a provider of process solutions and performance. Remote service applications play an important role in implementation of the Metso Future Care™ business concept. The concept calls for life-cycle technology, which represents the most significant growth potential for Metso. The new remote diagnostics centers in Jyväskylä and Tampere serve pulp and paper industry customers worldwide.

Eco-efficiency is another integral element of Metso's technology development. In 2001, Metso was re-selected for the Dow Jones Sustainability Index World and was selected as a component of the new European sustainability index. Eco-efficiency of Metso technologies is evaluated through life-cycle assessments carried out with customers and partners. The results are utilized in product development in all the business areas.

New technology areas singled out for focused Metso development are materials technology and industrial design, with development programs starting in both areas in 2002. Innovations and solutions in these areas will play a significant role in the implementation of the Future Care business concept.

Metso wants to support and maintain the competitiveness of its customers' core processes through lifecycle commitment. This presents us with exciting technology challenges and new opportunities to implement RTD through increasingly close development collaboration with our customers.

In the end, increased productivity and efficiency of our customers' processes is the decisive test of our new technology solutions.

Markku Karlsson
Senior Vice President,
Technology,
Metso Corporation

Metso wants to be knowledge-based technology company. The transformation from a machine supplier to a networked performance provider means that importance of information technology grows in Metso's technology portfolio. Technologically, this reguires embedded intelligence in products ant IT-based business applications.