Redefining the customer experience in mining repairs

Chris feels that joining Metso as the Regional Manager has been the right next step on his career. With a background ranging from Reliability Analysis to Operations management, Chris brings a practical understanding of the industry's intricate needs. As a local resident of the Pilbara for more than 14 years, his deep roots in the local community give him a unique understanding of the region.  

"For me and my family, the Pilbara region is a great place to live and work. I really enjoy being a part of the exciting work that occurs in the region whilst also being on the doorstep to some of the best camping and boating in Australia. Now with Metso, it is motivating to work on a project of this magnitude, that not only meets industry standards, but is also contributes to the prosperity of our neighbours in the Pilbara region."  

Building the Metso Karratha team 

In 2024, Chris is excited to build the Metso Karratha team. The service centre is gearing up to open its doors with an initial staff of 40, expanding to around 70 individuals as the year progresses. As the Regional Manager, his role is to consider the local conditions to ensure that starting and operating the new service centre is done safely and efficiently.  

In Chris’ opinion, the most interesting part of his job is that it requires consideration of long-term factors like housing, community engagement, training and education, whist also balancing immediate needs of customer requirements, safety, recruitment, and the setup of the new facility. He enjoys getting to work alongside the Metso staff, whilst also recruiting the highly skilled tradespeople, supervisors, and staff for the new facility. 

"For the future operations it is crucial that our team has highly skilled tradespeople and experts from the Pilbara community. Our clients benefit from a team intimately familiar with the specialised Metso products and the unique challenges of the region. Equally, it is important to me that beyond job creation, Metso is committed to investing in the local community and employee wellbeing by providing training and upskilling for the local workforce, supporting local clubs and community groups as well as designing a family-friendly roster and offering attractive relocation and housing allowances.” 

Taking part in redefining the customer experience in mining repairs 

Chris is proud to be part of the team that is bringing into reality the Karratha Service Centre’s commitment to elevate the standards of mining repairs, ensuring excellence for every mining client in the Pilbara and beyond. 

Karratha was strategically chosen as the service centre location for its proximity to mining operations, aiming to reduce costs, emissions, and turnaround times associated with transporting equipment to Perth.  

With specialised machinery housed in the Karratha facility, repairs can be completed end-to-end without relocating large components, resulting in significant savings for customers in terms of time and costs. 

"Being close to mining operations significantly reduces transport costs and downtime associated with repairs," notes Chris, highlighting the centre’s commitment to providing a cost-effective and time-efficient solution for mining clients in the Pilbara and Western Australia. 

The Karratha Service Centre boasts purpose-built facilities tailored to handle and repair Metso products, featuring 120-ton overhead cranes, a 5000 sqm workshop, a 140-ton mobile straddle lifter, and large CNC lathes, perfectly aligned with the region's large crushers and screens. Utilising the built-in furnace, sub arc welding, sandblast and paint facilities, the Karratha Service Centre has the equipment required to complete large scale repairs.  

Recent milestones include reaching the lock-up stage in December and sealing the 5000 sqm workshop and office. In addition, the arrival and ongoing installation of large CNC vertical lathe and horizontal borer mark a significant step forward. The anticipation is palpable as the facility takes shape. 

As the Karratha Service Centre prepares for operations, Chris envisions a future where customer satisfaction is not just a goal but a guarantee. "Our proximity, precision, and commitment to local expertise form the foundation of a seamless customer experience," Chris concludes.  

Outside of work, Chris likes to explore the stunning Pilbara together with his family. His kids enjoy time out on the boat and when the weather is cooler, they like to go camping inland. Chris is also part of the local marine rescue group as a skipper, and he finds it rewarding to train and work in the team as a volunteer. During winter, the family is involved in junior footy, all 3 boys play for Dampier Sharks Football club and Chris assists with coaching and as a committee member.