Global mining supply company ME Elecmetal, headquartered in Chile, has today formalised 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, specialising 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.
We are a global company with more than 107 years of experience as a supplier and strategic partner in the mining industry. We are known for always being at the forefront of innovation and technology, with the aim of providing new and better end-to-end sustainable solutions to our customers around the world, exceeding their expectations.
ME Elecmetal has seven metallurgical plants located around the globe – in Chile, USA, Peru, China and Zambia. It has a 134,000 ton foundry manufacturing capacity and a 600,000 ton grinding media manufacturing capacity. It has a further commercial presence in over 40 countries.
PRIMA has been a trusted name in the foundry industry for over 80 years. Established to support the mining sector, the company has evolved into a global player, known for delivering high-quality wear parts and innovative solutions.
Operating on over 16 acres of land, with products reaching key mining regions worldwide. The company prioritise excellence through continuous investment in its people and cutting-edge technology.
The company’s dedication to quality, teamwork, and forward-thinking has positioned it as a leader in the industry, ready to meet the challenges of the future.
