Outotec research center is recognised for excellence at Excellence Finland Quality Awards

OUTOTEC OYJ PRESS RELEASE, NOVEMBER 14, 2008 AT 9.00 AM

Outotec's research center in Pori, Outotec Research Oy, took part in the Finnish Excellence Quality Awards and received the prestigious award, "Recognised for Excellence". The research center achieved a score of over 500 points, which entitles the winner to use the five-star Recognised for Excellence, R4E emblem. The award was presented at the Excellence Finland Awards Gala in Helsinki on Thursday November 13, 2008.

For a long time, Outotec Research has worked systematically to improve its operations. When the research center received Quality System certification in 1994 it was the first company in the field of research and development to do so in Finland. An occupational health and safety system was introduced in 2005. The environment system was revised in 2007 and it replaced the environmental management program used since 1998. In addition, some of the research center laboratory operations have been accredited as official "measurement laboratories". Self-assessment has been used as a tool for developing operations since 1999.

Outotec Research is a business-oriented research and product development unit, which develops metals production technologies, processes and equipment. Its expertise covers the entire processing chain from ore to metal. 180 people, 30 of whom have a doctorate degree, work at the research center, which was founded almost 60 years ago.

"We are delighted with our Pori research center's success in the Quality Awards. Years of systematic development work and continuous operational improvement has also produced many important technological solutions for our customers' use," says Outotec CEO, Tapani Järvinen.

For more information, please contact:

OUTOTEC RESEARCH OY

Kalle Härkki, President

tel. +358 20 529 2901

e-mail kalle.harkki(at)outotec.com

OUTOTEC OYJ

Eila Paatela, Vice President - Corporate Communications

tel. +358 20 529 2004, +358 400 817198

e-mail eila.paatela(at)outotec.com

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