METSO’S VALMET TO STRENGTHEN ITS INTERNET-BASED PRODUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES

Metso Corporation’s fiber and paper technology business area, Valmet, will introduce a new generation PowerMaint service and asset management system supplied by TietoEnator Corporation. The system, which supports Metso’s Future Care business concept, will facilitate data transfer and diagnostic methods related to preventive maintenance and fault analysis and will make an electronic spare and wear parts business possible. The system is an important part of the first remote diagnostic center launched by the business area in October.

The PowerMaint system will provide an interface between Metso and the customer’s mill, and will allow increasingly effective monitoring of condition and runnability, thus raising production efficiency. The system includes highly developed tools for reporting and analyzing maintenance and reliability data. The system also includes an advanced monitoring and purchasing application for the spare and wear parts inventory, which will enable rapid identification and ordering of spare parts. The system can be delivered to the customer with new machine deliveries, complete with basic data for the maintenance management of the production line.

The introduction of the PowerMaint system is a part of the long-term co-operation between the Metso's Valmet Service and TietoEnator, aimed at developing production support services for the pulp and paper industry.

TietoEnator is a leading supplier of IT services in Europe. In 1999, TietoEnator’s net sales totaled EUR 1.2 billion, and it had a staff of over 10,000. TietoEnator’s services include consulting, IT systems development and integration, operation and support as well as product development and software services. TietoEnator’s key customer businesses include telecommunications, banking and finance, the public sector and the forest industry.

Valmet, the fiber and paper business area of Metso Corporation, is the world’s leading supplier of technology, systems and equipment for the pulp, paper, converting and panelboard industries. In 1999, Valmet’s net sales were EUR 1.7 billion and it had a personnel of 10,600.

Metso Corporation is a global supplier of process industry machinery and systems. Metso’s business areas are fiber and paper technology, automation and control technology, and machinery. In 1999, the net sales of Metso Corporation were EUR 3.4 billion, and the personnel totaled approximately 23,000. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki and New York Stock Exchanges.