Bradken to inaugurate world-class Mill Liner foundry in Peru

The mill liner foundry will strengthen regional manufacturing capability, improve supply chain resilience and deliver faster support for our customers, according to CEO Sean Winstone.

"This investment represents far more than a foundry," Sean said.

"It’s an investment in sustainable manufacturing, innovation, circularity, local talent and the future of mining across Latin America.

“By establishing world-class manufacturing capability closer to our customers, we are strengthening supply security, improving responsiveness and supporting the long-term growth of the mining industry throughout the region. And we are so proud of it."

From Chilca, Bradken will primarily serve customers across Peru, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Suriname, Ecuador, Mexico with significantly improved speed and efficiency.

Within the next three to five years, it’s expected to meet the majority of Bradken’s Latin American demand for steel mill liners, reducing lead times by 30% to 50% and helping customers improve operational certainty and responsiveness.

The foundry has been built using an advanced manufacturing model ready for Industry 4.0, integrating automation, digitalisation and repeatable quality controls to maximise product performance while improving efficiency and reducing waste.

Advanced process control systems, real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance capabilities and digital manufacturing tools enhance quality, traceability and production efficiency across every production stage.

The foundry includes the region’s largest automated loop line, advanced sand reclamation technology, Peru’s first scrap charging feeders, Tornado® extraction hoods for environmental protection, fully electric heat-treatment ovens with controlled cooling systems, and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to optimise internal logistics and energy efficiency.

Together, these technologies will help us deliver consistent, high-quality products while creating a safer, more efficient and sustainable manufacturing environment.

Peru’s rapidly decarbonising electricity grid made Chilca a strategic location for this investment. We’re targeting more than 99% renewable electricity for the site, as supply continues to expand. This supports our commitment to carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030.

We will also recycle worn mill liners, reintegrating recovered materials into new products wherever technically feasible. By keeping valuable materials in use for longer, we can reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and support our customers’ sustainability objectives.

Beyond manufacturing, the project represents a significant investment in local economic development.

Bradken Chilca is expected to create about 200 direct jobs and more than 1,200 indirect jobs, contributing to long-term growth.

It also reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Women currently represent 22% of Bradken’s workforce in Peru, and at Chilca, that rises to more than 30%. We’re proud to be building a more diverse and inclusive workforce while creating opportunities for local talent to develop and thrive.

Our new Chilca foundry represents far more than additional manufacturing capacity. It is an investment in sustainable manufacturing, innovation, circularity, local talent and the future of mining across Latin America.

By bringing world-class production capability closer to our customers, we are strengthening supply security, improving responsiveness and reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that help our customers succeed.