Sandvik investment strengthens surface drill production capacity

Sandvik is investing in its surface drilling capabilities by introducing a new production line at its factory in Tampere, Finland. The move supports the company’s strategic focus on surface drilling and is set to increase production capacity by up to 30 percent while significantly shortening lead times for customers.

The initiative, which follows Sandvik’s recent establishment of a dedicated surface test area, represents one of the most significant development projects for surface drilling equipment in recent years. It includes a comprehensive redesign of the production facility layout and workflows, modernization of resource and operational planning and enhanced safety and ergonomics. The revamped facility is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 and will create approximately 100 new production roles in Tampere.

“This investment not only expands our production capabilities but, more importantly, improves our ability to serve customers faster, more flexibly and with greater predictability,” said Mats Eriksson, President of Sandvik Mining. “Customers will benefit from shorter lead times and more consistent quality. This investment will also serve as a model for future R&D and continuous development efforts within the business.”

In parallel with the production investment, Sandvik continues to develop its Surface Test Pit. Announced in November 2023 and located approximately 40 kilometers from Tampere, the dedicated site enables real-world testing, development and customer demonstrations for both surface boom and rotary drill rigs, particularly in support of automated, electrified and digital technologies. In addition to R&D, the test area will also host customer events and training programs. The area, which previously served as a quarry, is being developed by its own drilling plan and will include the construction of permanent office buildings and dedicated customer facilities.

The combined investment in the new production line and test area is approximately EUR 2 million.

“Real-world testing is essential when developing new technologies,” Eriksson said. “Our Surface Test Pit helps shorten time to market and ensures we deliver safe, productive and reliable equipment that meets our customers’ evolving needs.”

For further information, please contact:
Thomas Heath
Operational Excellence Manager - Surface Drilling
Sandvik Mining
Email: thomas.heath@sandvik.com

Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining and infrastructure industries. We are at the forefront of digitalization and focus on optimizing our customers’ processes. Our world-leading offering includes equipment, tools, services and digital solutions for machining, mining, rock excavation and rock processing. In 2024 the Group had approximately 41,000 employees and revenues of about 123 billion SEK in about 150 countries within continuing operations.

Sandvik Mining
Sandvik Mining is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service, digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling and quarrying. In 2024, sales were approximately 64 billion SEK with about 17,000 employees.