Outotec strengthens its process control technologies by acquiring all shares in Numcore Ltd in Kuopio, Finland. Numcore is a start-up company developing and marketing innovative online process control solutions based on 3D-imaging. With a strong focus on R&D, the company has designed high-tech instruments for process optimization of minerals processing, food as well as pulp and paper industries. The parties have agreed not to disclose the acquisition price.

The acquisition supports Outotec's growth strategy and strengthens Outotec's competitive edge in providing advanced technology solutions. Numcore's technology is already proven in flotation and thickener applications. Furthermore, EIT technology can be utilized in other Outotec's business segments. The acquisition will not have any significant short term impact on Outotec's revenues.

Outotec has a strong position in providing flotation and thickening solutions for the minerals processing industry with over 4,000 installed flotation units and more than 1,400 thickeners in the last 20 years. Numcore's Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) technology can be applied to all new flotation cells and thickeners. It increases metals recovery by optimizing the froth flotation process as well as production efficiency and reliability.

"By combining Numcore's innovative 3D-imaging technology with our leading minerals processing technologies will further strengthen Outotec's position as the forerunner and technology leader and will provide us a significant competitive advantage particularly in flotation and thickening solutions", says Pertti Korhonen, CEO of Outotec.

"For Numcore's development, the equity funding from Finnvera Venture Capital and support from the Tekes Young Innovative Companies programme has been essential. I am happy that Numcore now has the opportunity to utilize resources of Outotec", says Anssi Lehikoinen, CEO of Numcore.