Metaphil's value for quality impresses Caledonian buyer

Aboitiz Group's construction arm, Metaphil has shipped out five fully assembled mining thickener devices worth 5 million Australian dollars (worth P189 million) to New Caledonia, in North America.

This is the first fully assembled devices exported by Metaphil to its client Outokumpo Technology Pty. Ltd., a supplier of CVRD Inco Limited, based in Canada, which is the second largest nickel producer.

The huge thickener device designed to separate minerals like gold, silver, copper and others from their host rock materials.

The ceremonial loading of the five devices was held Wednesday at the Cebu International Port (CIP).

According to Metaphil chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Roberto E. Aboitiz this is the first time that the company has exported a fully assembled mining device, as it has only sold pre-fabricated industrial materials overseas.

Metaphil started to venture into the export market some six years ago. Aboitiz said all were shipped in pre-fabricated form, ready for assembling in the country destination.

Barrie MacNaugton, Outokumpu project manager said the company is considering additional orders from Metaphil in the future.

Because of the high cost of manufacturing this kind of devices in Australia or Canada, MacNaugton said the company decided to outsource this needed devices. Among countries that have been considered for offshore deals were Indonesia, and Thailand. But, it settled with Metaphil group here in Cebu saying "we were impressed with Metaphil's value for quality."

Thickeners are most useful for nickel mining and smelting industries in countries like New Caledonia which has more than 20 percent of the world's nickel resources. This device separates through various processes like using gravity, flotation, jigging, grinding, drying, filtering, crushing, among others.

Including the grillage supports, the five thickeners weigh a total of 1,306 tons of steel structure. Each thickener measures 20 meters in diameter, is 23.2 meters high and weights 243.4 tons.

Metaphil specializes in Electro-Mechanical and Civil projects including steel fabrication works on a design, installation or turnkey basis.

About 40 percent of the total business of Metaphil, is exports, said Aboitiz.

Aside from New Caledonia, Metaphil has established presence in other countries like Singapore, Australia, the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East and the United States.

"This event once again showcases the ability and skills of Cebuanos as world-class builders of industrial plants and equipment," Aboitiz said during the ceremonial loading attended by key players in the business sector in Metro Cebu, and political leaders like Cebu City Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña.