Martin Engineering open new factory Down Under

Company announces creation of new Australian manufacturing facility in Queensland

MARTIN ENGINEERING, a global innovator of premium conveyor belt cleaning and sealing systems, have announced the creation of their newest factory-owned manufacturing facility in Queensland, Australia. Opened for business in September 2017, the new facility will provide direct sales, service, training and manufacturing to the continent, serving key industries such as mining, cement, quarrying and bulk handling ports.

The US-based manufacturer has been providing bulk-handling solutions and flow-control equipment in this region through a licensee since 1978, but company officials say the move will provide factory-direct customer access to locally manufactured products, as well as technical service from experienced and factory-trained technicians.

Among the new facility’s manufacturing capabilities is Martin Engineering’s proprietary technology for producing belt cleaner blades, using the company’s custom-built work cell. The manufacturing cells are designed, engineered and constructed by Martin, and the unique processing technology is being implemented at Martin locations on six continents to deliver premium-quality components around the world with unrivalled consistency and wear life. The system is believed to be the only one of its kind dedicated solely to producing belt cleaner blades.

The chemical components for Martin Engineering’s urethane formulations are supplied by BASF Corporation, one of the largest chemical companies in the world. As a result, customers receive blades with the same quality and guaranteed performance, regardless of their location.

By mixing, forming and curing their own belt cleaner blades in the modular work station –rather than subcontracting the production as most suppliers do – Martin Engineering retain complete control of the entire process, allowing one-day turnaround on most orders and even same-day shipping in many cases.

‘Our computer-controlled molding operations around the world are monitored at global headquarters,’ observed chief technology officer Paul Harrison. ‘In fact, we’re able to remotely monitor functionality from any location that has an Internet connection, anywhere in the world.

‘Even the suppliers that are manufacturing their own blades are typically using pre-mixed urethane formulations and just pouring them into molds,’ he said. ‘This system delivers precise control and quality assurance, and remote monitoring allows technicians to investigate the causes of any faults and offer fixes to operators without having to travel to the site.’

The Australia business unit will be led by managing director Terry Thew, who has more than 30 years’ experience in bulk material handling, along with commercial director Chris Wilson. They will be joined by financial controller Bo Hu and flow aids specialist Grant Goodey, who will focus initially on applications for air cannons and engineered vibration.