The Metso Technology Center comprises 20,000 square meters of floor space for manufacturing and 9,500 square meters of office area. Initially, the center will employ about 250 people. Later, in 2013, the number of employees forming a functional entity is estimated to increase to 650.With a strong presence in China, Metso can provide better service not only to pulp and paper customers, but also the energy, oil and gas sectors in China and Asia Pacific. It also enables the development of a global supply chain for valve production.Metso is a leading supplier of automation solutions to the pulp and paper industry in the Chinese market, and the company has a strong position also regarding flow control devices. Metso has supplied well over 100 control systems to the pulp and paper industry.Metso made its first deliveries to China back in the 1950s. It started its own operations in China through a joint venture in the 1980s. Today, Metso operates in 16 different localities in China, where it has about 2,600 employees.