Martin Engineering Expands Operations In Australia

The global leader in belt conveyor accessories and bulk flow technology is expanding its operations in Australia to offer solutions to more customers nationwide. 

Martin Engineering first entered the Australian market in 1978 and has since grown to become the country’s top bulk-handling service and solutions provider, improving production, safety, and efficiency for the mining, quarry, cement, and port sectors.  By building a new manufacturing facility in Yatala on the East Coast and opening a fully staffed office in Perth on the West Coast, Martin is investing in and adding jobs to the Australian economy.  Using a “factory direct” sales, service, and equipment model, customers receive reliable product fulfillment, faster response times, and hands-on service from local experts.

“Our purpose-built space has been designed to enhance our customer service, operational capabilities, and provide a better working environment for our team,” said Bo Hu, Australia Manager, Martin Engineering.  “This expansion ensures we continue delivering industry-leading solutions to our customers.  We will now have full production capabilities in Australia of a wider range of products beyond our already established polyurethane parts production for cleaners and other wear parts.”

Yatala

The newly built facility in Yatala will house Martin Engineering Australia’s headquarters in addition to 13 sales, production, and service team employees, allowing them a central hub to offer the best solutions and technical service to the market.  Although the Yatala facility will be Australia’s primary manufacturing site, Perth will also have partial production capabilities.

Historically, Australian equipment production at Martin Engineering focused on polyurethane belt conveyor cleaner blades to ensure fresh products for a longer equipment life.  The new Yatala facility expands the manufacturing capability to include a wide variety of patented equipment, all designed and engineered by Martin Engineering at the company’s Center for Innovation in Neponset, Illinois, USA.

“Our new manufacturing facility will produce bulk flow equipment and conveyor accessories,” said Mr. Hu.  “These include air cannons, customized conveyor transfer points, impact cradles that protect the belt during loading, belt support cradles and idlers that ensure a smooth belt path, skirting to mitigate dust and spillage in the transition, and innovative belt alignment devices.”

The Yatala service and manufacturing personnel have all completed Martin Engineering’s popular Foundations™ training on conveyor maintenance and safety.  In addition to online tutorial tools and hands-on training, Martin® Service Technicians (MSTs) who visit customer sites are updated on the latest bulk handling technology and methods.  The training ensures that any MST who enters a customer site utilizes servicing best practices and consistently complies with WorkSafe Australia standards.

Perth

Since 2020, Western Australia and its largest city, Perth, have seen double the economic growth rate compared to the rest of the country. The region is quickly emerging as an economic powerhouse for raw materials and trade. Martin Engineering is prepared to support that growth through shorter equipment lead times, a faster service response than competitors, and a greater understanding of local challenges.

With a 14-person trained staff, a targeted manufacturing capability, and a large warehouse, the Perth branch focuses on service, maintenance, and solutions to new and existing customers.  The MSTs specialize in bulk material flow on belt conveyors through belt cleaning, dust-/spillage-free conveyor transfers, belt alignment, and mitigating hopper/chute clogging using efficient air cannon designs.

Dedicated to a Cleaner, Safer, and More Productive Australia
Mr. Bo Hu serves as the Financial Controller of Martin Engineering’s Australian Business Unit, overseeing operations with support from Oleksiy Yakovlenko.  Martin CEO, Robert Nogaj and Mr. Yakovlenko will jointly manage the operations of the Western location’s commercial department.  Jorge Enriquez leads the engineering team.  Sales for both branches are cooperatively managed by Mr. Yakovlenko and Marcelo Silvestre, who also oversees the East Coast Sales Department and the New Zealand territory.  Additionally, Mr. Silvestre assumes responsibility for all marketing activities within the Australian territory.

“After years of experience in the Australian market, Martin Engineering understands the everyday challenges for bulk handlers and mining operators in the varying climates and extreme environments the country has to offer,” concluded Mr. Hu.  “With these new spaces, Martin Engineering Australia is excited to embark on the next chapter of delivering excellence and innovation.  Stay tuned as we continue to grow and invest in Australia’s mining landscape.”