Historic Scots firm Weir secures £36m order from one of world’s largest exporters of iron ore pellets

The Scottish group, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, will supply high pressure grinding rolls and screens as part of its initial order with Ferrexpo as it looks to increase output from its operations in Ukraine from 32 million tonnes per annum to more than 80 million.

Detailed test work with Weir’s technology is said to have showed “significant” capacity and environmental benefits.

Jon Stanton, Weir Group chief executive, said: “This is a great endorsement from one of the world’s leading miners of the key role Weir’s technology has in making mining operations more efficient and sustainable. It is also an excellent example of the benefits of working in partnership and using innovative engineering to increase productivity and reduce emissions.”

Jim North, interim chief executive of Ferrexpo, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Weir for the next phase of our growth programme, with high pressure grinding rolls being a great example of utilising modern technology to help us grow our business.”

In a trading update for the first quarter, Weir revealed an 11 per cent increase in group orders from continuing operations.

There was a 67 per cent increase in original equipment orders though aftermarket orders fell 2 per cent reflecting “residual Covid disruption to ore production”.

Stanton told investors: “The group has had a good start to the year against the backdrop of ongoing Covid challenges.

“As expected, conditions continued to improve in both mining and infrastructure markets reflecting increasing customer confidence in a broad-based economic recovery and near record prices for commodities essential to growth and carbon transition.