Metso enters joint venture with SAC, Guodian Nanjing Automation to expand into China's power automation control systems market

HELSINKI, Aug. 3, 2011 (Press Release) - Metso is joining forces with SAC, Guodian Nanjing Automation Co., Ltd (previously State Automation Company), to strengthen its position in the power automation control systems market in China. The new joint venture will concentrate on developing the digital power plant concept focusing especially on the Chinese market.

Metso will own 33 % and SAC will own 67 % of the joint venture. The joint venture will support Metso's target to offer proven, cost-effective power automation control solutions for the Chinese markets. The new company will manufacture and market Metso's maxDNA automation technology and SAC's digital power plant products. Furthermore the joint venture will develop new products and provide comprehensive after-sales services. The joint venture will have over 300 employees in China.

"By joining forces we gain share in the Chinese power market. We have already over 140 power units controlled by our systems in China", comments Metso's Steve Gandy, Vice President Sales and Operations, Energy and Process Systems in Asia.

Metso has provided maxDNA systems to more than 700 power plants worldwide. Metso is one of the eight DCS companies recommended by the former State Power Ministry in China. The new company will start its operations following official approval by the required Chinese authorities.

SAC is a public company owned 58% by Huadian Power International Corporation Limited, one of the five biggest power producing companies in China.