Global mining supply company ME Elecmetal, headquartered in Chile, has today formalized its acquisition of one of Africa’s leading foundries – the Prima Foundry in Gauteng, South Africa. This is a significant milestone for ME Elecmetal, who has a 107-year history in the mining industry, with sales in over 40 countries.
The decision to acquire the Prima Foundry (a family-run business, specializing in the production of engineering castings for the mining industry) is part of the company’s overarching vision of expanding ME Elecmetal’s ability to provide integral solutions to mining operations throughout the world.
The integration of the Prima Foundry into ME Elecmetal’s global operations is a strategic milestone for the company and a significant vote of confidence in the management and staff of the Prima Foundry, as well as it is for the broader investment case in South Africa. The deal is a crowning achievement of the Price family and the generations of staff who for more than 87 years have made the Prima Foundry a success.
“We are confident that ME Elecmetal’s integration of the world-class PRIMA Foundry into our global footprint will enable us to support the sustainable growth and development of the mining sector in South Africa, Africa and beyond,”
— Mr. Baltazar Sánchez, ME Elecmetal’s Chairman.
“PRIMA has been a family business since 1937. Now, in its 88th year of operation, the family is excited to be part of a new chapter unfolding together with ME Elecmetal. We view this as a positive development for the South African industry and believe it to be a great opportunity for Prima and its employees moving forward,”
— Keith Price, PRIMA Chairman.
ME Elecmetal is committed to the long-term success of ME Elecmetal Prima and to helping grow South Africa’s and Africa’s industrial and mining sectors. To this end, the newly formed and integrated ME Elecmetal Prima will draw on the experience, expertise and skills of both companies to grow and expand the production levels at the foundry. The foundry will supply steel and manganese liners for use in mining processes principally in South Africa and the continent, but also to other global markets.
ME Elecmetal’s global expertise and commercial capacity will help ensure that this growth strategy is realized in line with mining customer needs across the world. ME Elecmetal continually invests in alloy and materials development along with other technological solutions to ensure that we deliver cutting edge integral solutions that add value to our mining customers.
“ME Elecmetal looks forward to strengthening its presence in South Africa and to play a role in helping to drive economic growth and job creation in the country. We look forward to engaging with various stakeholders to help make sure that this new venture is a success for all involved,” said Mr Baltazar Sánchez.
With over 107 years of experience, ME Elecmetal is a leading global supplier and strategic partner in the mining industry. Renowned for its commitment to innovation and technology, ME Elecmetal is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions that exceed customer expectations worldwide.
The company operates seven metallurgical plants across Chile, the USA, Peru, China, and Zambia, boasting a manufacturing capacity of 134,000 tons for foundry products and 600,000 tons for grinding media. ME Elecmetal’s commercial presence extends to over 40 countries, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the mining sector.
For over 80 years, PRIMA has been a cornerstone in the foundry industry, dedicated to supporting the mining sector with top-tier wear parts and innovative solutions. From its expansive 16-acre facility, PRIMA serves key mining regions around the globe, demonstrating a commitment to excellence through continuous investment in advanced technology and skilled personnel.
PRIMA’s emphasis on quality, teamwork, and innovation has solidified its position as an industry leader, poised to tackle the challenges of the future and deliver exceptional value to its clients
