Metso technology helps Betonex increase capacity, preserve the environment and raise employee safety to a new level in Algeria

By investing in a complete, Metso-designed crushing and screening plant with a modern dust suppression system, Betonex aims to protect the environment and its employees and produce high-quality aggregates.

Metso and Betonex have recently signed a contract for the design, delivery and installation of a complete crushing and screening plant to Betonex's new quarry. The job site is located in El Hamra-Mansourah, in the Bordj Bou Arreridj region in Algeria. With the Metso technology, the plant will introduce state-of-the-art equipment never before installed in Algeria. The order was booked in Metso's Q3 2015 orders received. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

Betonex aims to change the face of crushing and screening in Algeria with investments in cutting-edge dust suppression equipment to produce the same level of quality seen in Europe, to comply with the new Algerian legislation standard, and to protect the environment and the health of its employees.

The three-stage plant will have a capacity of 500 tons 0/15mm per hour. Metso's delivery consists of feeders, conveyors, crushers and screens, a dust suppression system as well as a complete automation system. For the primary stage, Metso will install a Nordberg® C120(TM) jaw crusher and a PREMIER ES(TM) horizontal screen, the first ones in Algeria.

Previous experience paved the way for a new order

For Karim Benseba, Associate Manager of Betonex, Metso is a trusted partner. Benseba had previously invested in Metso technology in 2008 for the company's other operation, El Mehir Agrégats.

"We chose Metso for a number of reasons, the first being that we were very happy with the production and controlled maintenance costs of our first plant. Secondly, based on our 6 years of experience with the first plant, we worked closely with Metso's design and engineering team at each phase of the project. The design team brought forward many improvements and ideas for the new installation; they really listened to our feedback. We will have an installation designed and engineered exactly to our requirements," Benseba says.

"Aggregates production is the epicenter of our business, and a large part of the aggregates we produce is used by the sister companies of Benseba Group. This is our main reason for investing in a new Metso installation, but we also want to become a major supplier to the construction industry in the region. Housing construction programs, the Hauts Plateaux highway, and the new expressway between Anhif and Bejaia reflect the will of the government to make this a priority. We compared the production performance of our first crushing station, investment and operating costs. We expect the same quality aggregates that are produced in Europe while maintaining affordable prices for the local markets. We want to be a reference for our clients. Metso's process design with this new crushing and screening installation will supply not just a quarry, but a real aggregates production center," he continues.

Local Metso service helps Betonex to succeed

"Most importantly though, the local presence of the Metso team in Algeria is fundamental. The installation and equipment cover 50% of our needs. The sales representative and services account for the other 50%. We have open discussions with the Metso sales manager and their local qualified service engineers and technicians. Together with the rapidly available wear and spare parts, all this helps us to succeed," adds Lyes Benseba, Joint Managing Partner and Operational Site Manager at Betonex.

Karim Benseba is optimistic about the future of the aggregates market in Algeria.

"The aggregates market has grown since the beginning of the 2000s, with infrastructure and building markets everywhere in Algeria. However, production is still insufficient compared to market demand. The demand will continue to be high, hence our need to invest in this second complete plant. We turned to Metso, a local partner we can count on. We hope that Metso will continue to invest with us in Algeria," Karim Benseba concludes.

Sarl Betonex is a production unit of Concrete Readymix of Benseba Group located in the area of Taharacht, Akbou, in the Bejaia region. It employs 123 people and was created in 2001. It operates three very modern concrete plants that produce concrete blocks and slabs, and feeds the ready-mix market. Today Betonex serves individuals as well as major public and private companies operating in construction.