Could you please provide an introduction to Rema Tip Top and your operations in the Chilean market?

Rema Tip Top has been in Chile for more than 80 years. We began as a manufacturer of bicycle patches, and today we are a diversified company focused on the mining and industrial sectors. Our main goal is to be a partner for our customers, delivering products and services that add value and contribute to their business success. In the Chilean market, we have established ourselves as a leading provider of conveyor belt solutions, anti-abrasion materials, and industrial rubber products.

What are the main trends you have noticed in the Chilean market for material handling and processing?

We have observed that customers nowadays prefer to work with as few providers as possible. This means that we have to broaden our capabilities and form joint ventures with other companies. In the past, we were hired as niche providers to supply and repair only conveyor belts. However, today, customers require more than just supply and repair services. They expect us to offer mechanical, engineering, and monitoring services as well. Rema Tip Top understands the importance of being a one-stop-shop provider, and we are focusing our strategy on increasing our capacity to supply a complete package for all end users.

To what extent is remote monitoring for conveyor belts improving productivity at mine sites?

Remote monitoring systems have become essential for safety, eliminating the need for people to work close to the system. They also improve productivity by allowing operators to know when the belts are worn out, damaged, or need replacement. Rema Tip Top has developed high-tech equipment for remote monitoring systems, such as scanning and x-rays. Ultrasound devices with sensors are used to measure the thickness of a conveyor belt, which is crucial since these belts get worn and erode over time. It is important to ensure that you do not reach the steel cable that reinforces the belt on the inside. As technologies have evolved and advanced over the years, measurement has become more accurate and efficient.

Where would you like to see the company in the next couple of years?

Rema Tip Top in Chile would like to see substantial growth moving forward, both organically and potentially inorganically. Despite the current political situation, we remain optimistic about Chile, and we believe that the mining industry will continue to be the industrial and economic driver of the country. When customers work with Rema Tip Top, they work with extremely integral people who will do their utmost to achieve the best success. We believe that by providing innovative and high-quality products and services, we will continue to be a reliable partner for our customers in the future.