FLSmidth
Corporate brand
UnclaimedDanish multinational technology and engineering company supplying equipment, process systems, and services to the global mining and cement industries.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
FLSmidth is a Danish multinational technology and engineering company headquartered in Copenhagen. Its principal activities are the design, manufacture, installation, optimization, and servicing of equipment and complete process solutions for the mining and cement industries. The company serves producers and operators involved in commodities including copper, gold, nickel, zinc, and lithium, as well as cement manufacturers seeking integrated systems for raw-material preparation, clinker production, grinding, material handling, emissions control, and plant maintenance. The business began in Copenhagen on 2 January 1882, when Frederik Læssøe Smidth established a technical consultancy that purchased machinery and built small machines for local craftsmen. It soon developed specialist expertise in machinery for brick and tile production. In 1887, engineers Poul Larsen and Alexander Foss joined as partners, and the firm adopted the name F.L.Smidth & Co. That same year it supplied its first cement plant, near Limhamn in Sweden. The company opened an international office in London in 1890 and subsequently developed a broad international network, including operations in major European, North American, and Asian cities. Cement technology was the historical foundation of the company. By the middle of the twentieth century, FLSmidth equipment was reported to account for a substantial share of global cement production. Over time, the group broadened its capabilities through acquisitions and internal development in mineral processing, bulk-material handling, filtration, maintenance, automation, and related engineering disciplines. It also accumulated activities outside its long-term core markets, but from the beginning of the twenty-first century it progressively divested non-core businesses and concentrated on cement and minerals. The company expanded its minerals platform through the Fuller acquisition in 1990, the creation of FFE Minerals in 1997, and a series of later transactions involving mineral processing, screening, centrifuges, conveying, weighing, service, and engineering companies. The 2007 acquisition of GL&V Process strengthened its position in copper and mineral processing. Further acquisitions in Australia, India, Germany, and the United States added technologies and field capabilities. In 2022, FLSmidth acquired the mining division of German industrial group thyssenkrupp, known as Mining Technologies. This was described as the company’s largest acquisition and materially increased the proportion of its business related to mining. FLSmidth positions itself as a supplier of equipment and services across the life cycle of industrial plants, rather than solely as a machinery manufacturer. Its offerings can include feasibility and engineering work, individual machines, complete production lines, digital and process-control tools, spare parts, upgrades, maintenance, repairs, and operational support. Its stated sustainability program, MissionZero, seeks to help the cement and mining industries move toward zero emissions by 2030 through lower-emission processes, energy efficiency, electrification, alternative fuels, improved resource recovery, and related technologies. In 2021, the company’s science-based climate targets were validated through the Science Based Targets initiative. In 2023, FLSmidth announced a pure-play strategy under which its Mining and Cement divisions would operate as two stand-alone entities with separate strategies and organizational structures. The change reflected the company’s effort to sharpen its focus, improve accountability, and align its businesses with the distinct investment and operating needs of the two industries. FLSmidth remains listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen and maintains offices and activities in more than 60 countries. In 2023, FLSmidth announced a pure-play strategy under which its mining and cement divisions would operate as two separate entities, each with its own strategy and organizational structure. This change reflected the company's effort to sharpen focus, improve accountability, and align its business with the differing investment and operational needs of the two industries. FLSmidth remains listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen and has offices and operations in more than 60 countries.
History
FLSmidth was founded in Copenhagen on 2 January 1882 by Frederik Læssøe Smidth. The original enterprise was a technical consultancy that bought machinery and constructed small machines for local craftsmen. Its early specialization shifted toward machinery for brick and tile production, industries closely related to the later development of cement-process equipment. In 1887, Poul Larsen and Alexander Foss became partners, and the company was renamed F.L.Smidth & Co. The same year, it built its first cement plant near Limhamn in Sweden. Internationalization followed quickly: the first overseas office opened in London in 1890, and offices were later established in cities including Paris, New York, Tokyo, and Beijing. Cement technology became the company’s defining business, and by 1957 FLSmidth machinery was reported to be used in approximately 40 percent of global cement production. The company opened its well-known red-brick headquarters on Vigerslev Alle in Copenhagen’s Valby district in 1954. Designed by architect Palle Suenson, the complex became a notable feature of the city. During the following decades, FLSmidth developed into a diversified industrial group. By 1989, the group comprised about 125 companies involved in areas ranging from cement engineering to plastics, aerospace, and cement building materials. FLSmidth’s minerals business was strengthened by the acquisition of Fuller Company in 1990. The resulting F.L.Smidth-Fuller Engineering Group included mineral-processing activities, which were later consolidated and renamed FFE Minerals in 1997. During the 1990s, the group also acquired product companies such as Pfister, Ventomatic, and MAAG Gear. At the start of the twenty-first century, the group began selling non-core activities and concentrating more closely on cement and minerals. FFE Minerals acquired Rahco International in 2007 and was renamed FLSmidth Minerals later that year. FLSmidth also acquired GL&V Process in 2007, a transaction that strengthened its presence in copper processing. Acquisitions of Pneumapress, CEntry, Conveyor Engineering, EEL India, ESSA Australia, Phillips Kiln Service, and Transweigh India between 2008 and 2011 expanded the company’s capabilities in pressing, engineering, conveying, bulk handling, sampling, kiln services, weighing, and field support. In 2012, FLSmidth completed the acquisition of Ludowici, an Australian engineering and equipment supplier known for coal centrifuges, vibrating screens, and wear-resistant products. It also acquired Decanter Machine in the United States, TEUTRINE in Germany, and Australian service businesses MIE Enterprises and Mayer Bulk. These transactions broadened its mineral separation, repair, refurbishment, installation, and maintenance capabilities. The company separately divested certain lime-kiln and recausticizing capital-sales activities for pulp and paper applications through an exclusive, perpetual license agreement with Metso Paper Sweden. FLSmidth has also pursued environmental technology. Its former FLS Miljø business developed a supercritical-carbon-dioxide process intended to carry organic wood preservatives into timber as an alternative to chromated copper arsenate treatment. FLS Miljø was closed in 2004, and some former employees later contributed to a related approach for removing cork taint compounds from wine corks. In 2019, FLSmidth introduced MissionZero, a sustainability pledge aimed at helping cement and mining customers move toward zero emissions by 2030. The program addresses the substantial carbon and environmental footprint of both industries through process improvements, energy efficiency, alternative fuels, electrification, emissions control, and new technology development. In 2021, its science-based targets received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative. The acquisition of thyssenkrupp’s Mining Technologies division in 2022 was the largest transaction in FLSmidth’s history and significantly expanded its mining portfolio. In 2023, the company announced a pure-play strategy in which Mining and Cement would operate as stand-alone businesses with distinct strategies and organizational structures. This marked a further step away from the diversified group model and toward focused leadership of two specialized industrial platforms.
- 2023
Pure-play Mining and Cement strategy announced
[1]The company announced plans for Mining and Cement to operate as stand-alone businesses with separate strategies and structures.
- 2022
Mining Technologies acquisition completed
[1]FLSmidth acquired thyssenkrupp’s Mining Technologies division in its largest acquisition.
- 2021
Science-based climate targets validated
[1]FLSmidth joined the Science Based Targets initiative and received validation for targets aligned with a 1.5-degree pathway.
- 2019
MissionZero launched
[1]FLSmidth introduced a sustainability pledge focused on helping mining and cement customers reach zero emissions by 2030.
- 2012
Ludowici and other specialist businesses acquired
[1]FLSmidth expanded its centrifuge, screening, mobile repair, installation, and service capabilities through several acquisitions.
- 2007
GL&V Process acquired
[1]The transaction expanded FLSmidth’s mineral-processing portfolio and provided a stronger foothold in copper-related applications.
- 1997
FFE Minerals established
[1]The group merged its separate minerals divisions and operated them under the FFE Minerals name.
- 1990
Fuller Company acquired
[1]The acquisition created the F.L.Smidth-Fuller Engineering Group and strengthened mineral-processing capabilities.
- 1954
Valby headquarters inaugurated
[1]The company inaugurated its distinctive headquarters on Vigerslev Alle in Copenhagen’s Valby district.
- 1890
First international office opened
[1]FLSmidth opened an office in London, beginning a long period of international expansion.
Products and positioning
A global process-technology, equipment, and services partner for mining and cement producers, with an emphasis on complete plant solutions, lifecycle support, and lower-emission industrial production.
Cement equipment
Cement production systems
FLSmidth supplies integrated and individual technologies for cement production, including raw-material preparation, clinker production, rotary kilns, grinding, material handling, automation, and plant services. Its historical cement business has covered complete plant engineering as well as equipment upgrades, maintenance, and process optimization.
Mining equipment
Mining and mineral-processing systems
The mining portfolio covers equipment and process solutions for mineral extraction and processing, including applications associated with copper, gold, nickel, zinc, and lithium. Capabilities include crushing, screening, grinding, separation, conveying, filtration, plant engineering, commissioning, and lifecycle support.
Process machinery
Grinding mills
Grinding equipment is used in cement and minerals processing to reduce raw materials or ore to the required particle size. FLSmidth provides mill technologies, associated systems, wear parts, upgrades, and services intended to improve throughput, energy performance, and operational reliability.
Cement equipment
Kilns and pyroprocessing equipment
Kilns and related pyroprocessing systems form a central part of FLSmidth’s cement technology. The offering includes equipment and engineering for high-temperature processing, clinker production, fuel and material handling, emissions control, maintenance, and modernization of existing plants.
Environmental industrial equipment
Filtration and emissions-control systems
FLSmidth provides filtration and environmental-control technologies for industrial plants. These systems are intended to manage dust and other process emissions while supporting regulatory compliance, plant efficiency, and the broader decarbonization objectives associated with its MissionZero program.
Industrial services
Lifecycle and field services
Services include spare parts, maintenance, repair, refurbishment, installation, commissioning, plant optimization, and technical support. The service model allows FLSmidth to remain involved after equipment delivery and to support customers across the operating life of mining and cement assets.
Marketing campaigns
- 2019MissionZero
Global mining · Global cement
FLSmidth’s sustainability pledge focuses on developing and deploying technologies intended to help mining and cement operations reach zero emissions by 2030.
Outcome. Ongoing strategic sustainability program
Brand decisions
2023
Pure-play Mining and Cement strategyStrategyBackground
FLSmidth sought to sharpen its strategic focus after expanding its mining platform.
Action taken
The company announced that Mining and Cement would operate as two stand-alone entities with separate strategies and organizational structures.
Aftermath
The announcement marked a move toward more focused business management, although the reference material does not specify the final corporate implementation or financial effects.
2022
Acquisition of thyssenkrupp Mining TechnologiesM&ABackground
FLSmidth aimed to become a stronger and more comprehensive supplier to the global mining industry.
Action taken
The company completed the acquisition of thyssenkrupp’s Mining Technologies division.
Aftermath
The acquisition became FLSmidth’s largest and increased the mining-related share of its operations to approximately 65 percent according to the reference material.
1990
Acquisition of Fuller CompanyM&ABackground
FLSmidth sought to strengthen its engineering and mineral-processing capabilities.
Action taken
The company acquired Fuller Company and formed the F.L.Smidth-Fuller Engineering Group.
Aftermath
The transaction provided the platform for later consolidation and expansion of the minerals business, including the creation of FFE Minerals.
Recent events
Reported
FLSmidth updates 2021 financial guidance[3]
FLSmidth updated its preliminary full-year 2021 revenue guidance, estimating revenue of DKK17.6 billion for the year, compared with its previous forecast of DKK16–17 billion. It also raised its estimated full-year EBITDA margin to 5.9 percent from the earlier forecast of 5–6 percent.
Reported
FLSmidth partners with TONTOTON on waste co-processing in Vietnam[4]
FLSmidth and TONTOTON announced a partnership to help cement plants in Vietnam replace fossil fuels with non-recyclable plastic waste, with FLSmidth serving as a waste co-processing technical consultant.
Reported
FLSmidth appoints Mikko Keto as incoming CEO[5]
FLSmidth’s Board of Directors appointed Mikko Keto as incoming CEO, effective 1 January 2022; Thomas Schulz will step down by the end of 2021.
- Unconfirmed
Sustainable Energy Solutions selects FLSmidth for carbon-capture system commercialisation[6]
Chart Industries subsidiary Sustainable Energy Solutions chose FLSmidth to help adapt and commercialise its Cryogenic Carbon Capture system for the global cement industry.
Reported
FLSmidth and Carbon8 Systems enter global commercial partnership[7]
FLSmidth and Carbon8 Systems entered a global commercial partnership under which FLSmidth will use its global network to extend the reach of Carbon8 Systems’ carbon capture and utilisation solution.
Reported
FLSmidth agrees to sell Möller business to REEL[8]
FLSmidth entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Germany-based Möller business to the French industrial group REEL. The business’s 60 employees will join REEL.
Reported
FLSmidth agrees to sell fabric filter technology to Simatek[9]
FLSmidth entered into an agreement to sell its fabric filter technology business to Simatek.
- Unconfirmed
FLSmidth launches kiln monitoring service[10]
FLSmidth launched an online condition-monitoring service for kilns. It collects equipment data for analysis at its Global Remote Service Centre and sends customers recommendations and reports on maintenance issues.
Reported
FLSmidth acquires KnowledgeScape[11]
FLSmidth acquired KnowledgeScape and its advanced solutions to expand its digital ENABLR portfolio.
Sources11 sources
- 1FLSmidthen.wikipedia.org
- 2FLSmidth corporate websiteflsmidth.com
- 3FLSmidth更新2021年财务指引cemnet.com
- 4FLSmidth与TONTOTON在越南开展废弃物协同处理合作worldcement.com
- 5FLSmidth任命Mikko Keto为候任首席执行官cemnet.com
- 6Sustainable Energy Solutions选择FLSmidth协助商业化碳捕集系统globalcement.com
- 7FLSmidth与Carbon8 Systems建立全球商业合作关系cemnet.com
- 8FLSmidth同意向REEL出售Möller业务finanznachrichten.de
- 9FLSmidth同意向Simatek出售织物过滤技术finanznachrichten.de
- 10FLSmidth推出窑炉监测服务globalcement.com
- 11FLSmidth收购KnowledgeScapecemnet.com
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