Metso and Bender enter Yankee Grinding and Thermal Spraying agreement

Published Sept 21, 2004 13.00.00 +2 GMT

Metso Paper has entered into a long term agreement with Bender Machine Services LTD., of United Kingdom on a worldwide service program for Yankee and MG cylinder grinding and thermal spraying, effective October 1, 2004.

This agreement between Metso as the world leading company in paper technology and Bender as market leader in thermal spraying forms a platform for complete services of unparalleled competence and capacity for all Yankee and Hood related matters.

Under the agreement, Metso Paper will cease its production of Yankee and MG cylinder grinding services and Bender alone will perform these services. Bender will further continue performing thermal spraying of cylinders. The services will be provided by Bender either as separate service actions or as part of Metso’s Drying Performance packages. Both companies will market the services.

“ By combining our competence and recourses we now can provide our customers with the best Yankee grinding and thermal spraying service worldwide in combination with Metso Paper's extensive Process Services”, says Marco Marcheggiani, President, Metso Paper Tissue Business Line.

By entering this agreement with Bender, Metso is given the opportunity to focus more on its core competence. At the same time the Bender grinding and thermal spraying competence can be shared throughout a worldwide service network.

“ This agreement combines the very best aspects of our two companies enabling us to provide an improved and more proactive service to the paper industry. Bender sees the co-operation as a major step forward in providing a world wide service to our valued customers” , says Barry P Brown, Managing Director, Bender Ltd.

The combined global service network will bring resources closer to customer for shorter response time and simplified logistics. The Crown Master grinding equipment of Bender and the Farros Blatter grinding equipment of Metso will be strategically located in Metso and Bender service points to best serve the customers. To reach these grinding and thermal spraying services both Metso and Bender contact points may be used.

This agreement will not affect other business areas of Bender like Site Services and Projects.

The installed number of Yankee and MG cylinders worldwide exceeds 2 000.

More information: Louise Törnefalk-Svanqvist, Senior Vice President, Metso Paper, Tissue Business Line Tel: +46 (0)54 17 12 16, Mobile: +46 (0)706 17 12 16 Barry P Brown, Managing Director, Bender Ltd Tel: +44(0)1706 225521, Mobile: +44 (0)7771728729