SOP-Metal brings innovative noise barrier solution to Asia
With about US$300 billion worth of rail infrastructure put up in China alone since 2011, the mainland is a huge market for noise-barrier assemblies that raise the sustainability quotient of railways, especially goods and high-speed trains.
With about US$300 billion worth of rail infrastructure put up in China alone since 2011, the mainland is a huge market for noise-barrier assemblies that raise the sustainability quotient of railways, especially goods and high-speed trains.
SOP-Metal, a key project contractor in Finland, has an edge in this market with an innovative solution that can be placed very close to railway tracks. Only one metre in height, the solution affords train passengers an unobstructed view of the passing scenery.
With core expertise in machining, assembly, cutting and steel structures, SOP-Metal is a valued service provider to electrical and energy companies such as ABB, Vacon and Wartsila.
Busbars, copper and aluminium bars manufactured to customer specifications are the company's core products, including flexible busbars commonly used for vibrating equipment.
Other core product lines are electrical insulation materials and durable distribution cabinets manufactured to match specific client requirements.
"The key is flexibility and short delivery times," says Sami Kuntola, managing director of SOP-Metal. "Of course, you have to have a good partnership with your customer."
SOP-Metal stays close to customers in order to keep up with their needs. For instance, it has opened a factory in Estonia to support exports to nearby European markets. The growing need for high-quality machinery and industrial products to support massive infrastructure development in China makes Asia an interesting market for SOP-Metal.
"There is much potential in Asia," Kuntola says. "We would like to work with partners that are fast and flexible like us, and can offer competitive prices. It is very important that quality is 100 per cent."
The innovative noise-barrier solution is being field-tested in Germany, where the company has a local partner responsible for sales and co-production of the assembly. SOP-Metal is also exploring agricultural applications for its steel products.
Partner search for further markets is continuing, so that contacts from interested Chinese companies are welcome.
http://www.sop-metal.fi