What are the main products that Martin Engineering provides to the mining industry, and has the Brazil lineup seen any new releases recently?

Martin Engineering primarily offers conveyor belts, but they also specialize in flow-aids and are expanding their line of vibration products for heavy industry. They recently launched their high-speed transfer point line at the Las Vegas Mine Expo, which is capable of handling higher tonnage at faster speeds than any other product on the market. These products are now available in Brazil and are being rolled out across Latin America. Additionally, they introduced new wear plates manufactured in Australia in partnership with Alloy Steel, which are currently installed and undergoing trials with customers such as Vale, Hydro, Alumar, ArcelorMittal, Sun Coke, Votorantim, and Lafarge.

What is the strategic importance of Latin America to Martin Engineering globally?

Latin America is a crucial region for Martin Engineering as it offers some of the best opportunities for growth worldwide. The region is comprised of three main poles: Chile/Peru, Brazil, and Mexico, with Brazil being the most important base for the team. Martin Engineering achieves total coverage in these countries through a network of sales offices and licensed distributors. In Brazil, they are working on various projects, including Vale’s S11D expansion in Carajás, Vale Apolo, Vale Sao Luis Port, and Samarco. They are also collaborating with major players in the industry, such as MRN, AngloGold, Anglo Ferrous, CSN, NAMISA, and Anglo American Iron Ore. In Mexico, they work with customers like Grupo Mexico and Grupo Peñoles on several projects and recently signed a service contract with Arcelor Mittal to perform maintenance on all their conveyor belts.

Could you explain the importance of R&D to Martin Engineering, seeing that you are acting as a high-tech provider to the market?

Martin Engineering is recognized as a global leader in innovating conveyor products and flow-aid solutions, and they constantly strive to offer safer, more efficient, and higher quality products to customers. R&D in Brazil is carried out in collaboration with their Centre for Innovation (CFI) in the USA. Martin Engineering’s work at Vale’s Carajás Complex on over 300 conveyor belts drives much of their new innovation, requiring new ideas and production techniques, and all new knowledge gained is transferred to future projects. Thanks to their investment in R&D, Martin Engineering has an advantage over competitors in terms of safety, with new products having external access for maintenance operations to reduce downtime and enhance operational efficiency.

How does Martin Engineering deal with the difficult situation in finding skilled labor in Brazil?

Sourcing skilled labor in Brazil is a challenge due to the shortage of qualified personnel, but Martin Engineering is investing in an internal training program to develop their people and ensure a good supply of technicians for times of high demand. They also offer training classes to their staff and customers’ engineers and technicians to use and repair their products, ensuring they perform optimally.

What is your vision for the future development of the company in Brazil?

Martin Engineering sees enormous potential for growth in Brazil, particularly with new legislative measures such as the new ports law, which presents exciting opportunities for various industries, including mining. They aim to capitalize on this by enlarging their participation in strategic markets such as Brazil’s agribusiness and alternative fuels industries. Despite some mining projects being put on hold or scaled down due to China’s slowing economy growth, Martin Engineering remains optimistic about the future and predicts year-on-year double-digit growth in Latin America, primarily driven by Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Peru.