Helsinki, Finland, 03 December 2008 -- Metso and Nilsen Engineering have signed a purchase agreement regarding Nilsen Engineering’s flash drying technology. The transaction was closed on 04 September 2008. The value of the purchase agreement is not disclosed. The acquired technology will be integrated into Metso’s Fiber business line.

After the acquisition, Metso will be able to supply complete flash drying lines and thereby strengthen its competitiveness as a full-scope supplier to the pulp industry. The acquired technology is used for drying all types of pulp, especially mechanical pulp. The flash drying technology, together with sheet drying, will enable Metso to offer the optimal and most cost-effective drying solution for any given application.

Nilsen Engineering AS was the first to introduce the flash drying technology in Scandinavia in the late 1950s. Since then, the company has served the pulp and paper industry world-wide with engineering and equipment in the field of flash drying and related machinery.

Metso (www.metso.com) is a global supplier of sustainable technology and services for mining and construction, power generation, automation, recycling, and the pulp and paper industries. The company has more than 28,000 employees in more than 50 countries.