Metso has approved the second phase of its Lokomotion Technology Centre project in Tampere, Finland. The decision includes building a new crusher production facility as part of the company’s expansion of manufacturing and technology capabilities. Metso said the investment supports its long-term strategy focused on aggregates and mining equipment technologies.
The second phase is valued at approximately €60 million and is scheduled to be spent over the next three years. About €15 million is expected to be allocated during 2026 as construction activity ramps up. When combined with the first phase, total investment in the Lahdesjärvi technology centre will exceed €200 million.
Crusher manufacturing facility to be built under Phase Two
The newly approved phase centers on constructing a modern crusher manufacturing facility for Metso’s future production network. Once completed, the Lokomotion Technology Centre is intended to function as an industrial hub for designing, testing, engineering, and manufacturing technologies and components used in aggregates processing. The scope covers equipment and components used in crushing, screening, and sand production.
Metso linked the project to demand for processing technologies across mining, construction, infrastructure, and raw materials sectors. It said consolidating research, product development, testing, and manufacturing at one site is aimed at improving operational efficiency while accelerating innovation. The company expects the full technology centre to be completed during the early 2030s.
Investment timeline and site footprint
Phase Two will begin with site preparation and groundwork scheduled to start in June 2026. Metso said the crusher production facility will build on assembly and logistics infrastructure already under construction as part of Phase One. Crusher manufacturing operations at the new facility are expected to start during autumn 2028.
Construction for both phases will proceed simultaneously to enable phased commissioning and a gradual transition into the new complex. After completion, the entire technology centre will cover about 66,000 square meters. Metso said Phase Two accounts for roughly 12,000 square meters of that total footprint.
Phase One progress at Lahdesjärvi technology centre
Work on Phase One remains on schedule following a start in June 2024. Completion is still planned for August 2027. The phase includes assembly and testing facilities for mobile crushing equipment along with warehouse and logistics infrastructure supporting global operations.
Current activities include interior systems installation and structural engineering work as the project moves toward operational readiness. Metso said a key milestone is expected in the third quarter of 2027 when production of its Lokotrack® track-mounted crushing and screening equipment begins at the Lahdesjärvi site. The first phase investment is approximately €150 million, with around €70 million invested by the end of April 2026.
Tampere modernization plan includes relocation from Hatanpää
The Lokomotion Technology Centre expansion is also tied to a modernization plan for Metso’s manufacturing operations in Finland. The company plans to gradually relocate activities currently carried out at its historic Lokomo facility in the Hatanpää district of Tampere to the Lahdesjärvi site. Metso said production, engineering, testing, and logistics functions will move into a purpose-built environment designed for efficiency and sustainability.
After relocation is completed, Metso intends to divest the existing Hatanpää property and associated buildings. The company described this as further consolidation of operations at the new technology centre.
Sustainability focus for aggregate processing technology development
Metso said the Lokomotion Technology Centre has been designed with an emphasis on sustainability and resource efficiency alongside industrial innovation. It said the facility will support development of technologies intended to improve productivity while reducing energy consumption and environmental impacts linked to aggregate and mineral processing operations.
The company also stated that integrating digital technologies and enhancing equipment performance are part of what it expects from the expanded manufacturing platform. It added that these developments are aimed at supporting customers operating in demanding market environments where crushing and screening solutions are required.
Tampere project described as largest industrial investment this century
Metso has operated in Tampere for decades, contributing to regional industrial development and engineering expertise. The Lokomotion Technology Centre is described by Metso as the largest industrial investment undertaken in Tampere during the 21st century. The company said it expects economic benefits for the wider region.
Beyond manufacturing expansion, Metso said the project is expected to support innovation, technical skills development, employment opportunities, and sustainable economic growth within Finland’s industrial ecosystem. It also said suppliers, engineering firms, technology partners, and service providers are expected to be drawn to activity around the facility.
Construction start set for June 2026; commissioning through both phases
Metso said Phase Two begins with groundwork scheduled for June 2026 following site preparation activities. It expects crusher manufacturing operations at the new facility during autumn 2028 while construction continues across both phases. This approach is intended to support phased commissioning as operations transition into the new complex.
The company reiterated that once fully completed, total industrial space at the technology centre will be approximately 66,000 square meters, with Phase Two contributing roughly 12,000 square meters. Metso also maintained that Phase One completion remains targeted for August 2027 after construction began in June 2024.
Demand backdrop tied to infrastructure, urbanization and mining activity
Metso stated that global demand for crushing, screening, and material processing technologies continues to grow. It linked this demand to infrastructure development, urbanization, mining activity, and construction projects requiring more efficient equipment for producing aggregates. The company also referenced needs for processed materials with lower environmental footprints.
Metso said it is investing more than €200 million into what it described as one of Europe’s advanced production and technology hubs through the Lokomotion Technology Centre expansion. It added that this supports future industry requirements while reinforcing Finland’s role in industrial innovation and engineering expertise.
