FLSmidth
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Mining technology, Cement machinery and services |
| Founded | January 2, 1882 in Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Founder | Frederik Læssøe Smidth |
| Headquarters | Copenhagen , Denmark |
Area served | Worldwide (offices in more than 60 countries) |
| Products | Machinery and services for mining and cement industries |
Number of employees | 11,000 |
| Website | www |
FLSmidth & Co. A/S is a Denmark-based global technology corporation with its main office located in Copenhagen, Denmark. The company employs close to 11,000 individuals worldwide and delivers machinery and services primarily to the mining and cement sectors. Its mining technology facilitates the extraction of metals such as copper, gold, nickel, zinc, and lithium, while its cement-related offerings support various production stages. FLSmidth is publicly listed on NASDAQ OMX Nordic Copenhagen as part of the C25 index and maintains a presence through offices in more than 60 countries.
History
Established on 2 January 1882 by Frederik Læssøe Smidth initially as a machinery consultancy catering to local artisans, the firm quickly shifted focus towards manufacturing equipment for the brick and tile industry. In 1887, after partnering with Poul Larsen and Alexander Foss, it adopted the name F.L.Smidth & Co. That same year marked the construction of its inaugural cement plant near Limhamn, Sweden. The company expanded internationally by opening an office in London by 1890, followed by additional branches in key global cities. By 1957, F.L.Smidth’s machinery was responsible for producing approximately 40% of the world’s cement.
In 1954, the firm established its distinctive headquarters in Copenhagen’s Valby area, a building designed by architect Palle Suenson. In 2022, FLSmidth revealed intentions to move its main office to a new location within Copenhagen by late 2024.
During the latter half of the 20th century, FLSmidth broadened its scope beyond core sectors into fields such as plastics and aerospace, expanding to nearly 125 companies by 1989. The 1990s featured acquisitions including product manufacturers like Pfister, Ventomatic, and MAAG Gear. In 1990, it acquired the Fuller Company and consolidated its mineral processing units into FFE Minerals by 1997.
FLS Miljø pioneered an eco-friendly timber preservation method using supercritical carbon dioxide; however, this division was shuttered in 2004. Some of this technology was later adapted to address cork taint issues in wine closures.
Entering the new millennium, FLSmidth concentrated on its primary industries by divesting from unrelated businesses. Significant acquisitions during this period included Rahco International (2007) and GL&V Process (2007)—the latter representing its largest purchase at that time—providing access to the global copper market; Pneumapress Inc. and engineering consultancy CEntry (2008); Conveyor Engineering Inc. and EEL India Limited (2009), which strengthened its capabilities in bulk material handling on a global scale.
Between 2011 and 2012, FLSmidth further expanded through acquiring ESSA Australia Limited, Phillips Kiln Service Ltd, Transweigh India Ltd, Ludowici Limited (specializing in coal centrifuges and wear-resistant products), Decanter Machine Inc. (centrifugal technology), TEUTRINE GmbH (mobile repair services), along with Australian service firms MIE Enterprises Pty Ltd. and Mayer Bulk Pty Ltd.
To reinforce its focus on cement and minerals sectors, FLSmidth sold off its lime kiln and recausticizing equipment operations to Metso Paper Sweden AB under an exclusive perpetual licensing agreement.
In 2022, FLSmidth finalized its largest acquisition by purchasing Mining Technologies from German conglomerate thyssenkrupp, positioning itself as the foremost global provider of mining technology and related services. This transaction increased mining activities to constitute 65% of the company’s overall business portfolio.
Core business and Group strategy
In 2019, FLSmidth introduced the sustainability initiative MissionZero, designed to deliver technologies that support the mining and cement sectors in reaching zero emissions by 2030. These industries account for roughly 10% of the world's CO2 output. The company combines proven technologies with innovative solutions developed through collaborative research and development efforts involving clients, academic institutions, startups, and various industry partners.
By 2021, FLSmidth had pledged adherence to the Science Based Targets initiative, endorsing environmental objectives consistent with the 2015 Paris Agreement’s goal to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C.
In 2023, the company implemented a “pure play strategy,” dividing its operations into two separate entities—Mining and Cement—each governed by unique business plans and organizational frameworks.