Andre Bertrand Former Acting General Manager EPIROC CANADA
Can you explain the recent acquisitions and the integration process Epiroc has adopted?
Epiroc has transformed from an equipment-focused company to also becoming a comprehensive mining solutions provider. This strategic shift aims to position Epiroc as a leader in digital technology and electrification within the mining industry, creating new global divisions designed for market integration in Canada. The acquisition of RCT, an Australian company specializing in radio controls and autonomous operations, enables Epiroc to offer agnostic solutions that allow clients to implement Epiroc’s technology across different equipment brands. Additionally, 3D-P, based in Calgary, focuses on communication infrastructure within mines, providing services such as the design and implementation of Wi-Fi systems and beacon technology. Fordia, another Canadian acquisition, specializes in the exploration segment, providing essential tools for identifying ore bodies.
Another acquisition was Québec-based Meglab, a technology integrator offering electrification and telecommunications infrastructure solutions, such as system design, substations, switchgears, and automation systems for mine electrification, equipment charging and digital operations.
YieldPoint, our most recent acquisition, will not be integrated immediately. Not all acquisitions are fully integrated; for instance, Stanley will maintain its name whilst being under the Epiroc umbrella, recognizing that strong brands can and should remain in the market. How have market conditions affected demand for Epiroc’s services?
Recently, we have observed a shift in purchasing behavior: instead of acquiring one or two machines, customers are now tendering for fleets, with requests for 20-40 machines. Currently, there are around 7-8 major projects in the tender process that involve large equipment orders, indicating a healthy market where customers seek our expertise in resource extraction.
Tom Di Francesco General Manager B&D MANUFACTURING
Can you give an update on B&D Manufacturing in 2024?
2024 has been a record year, with demand for our in-house OEM products growing in Ontario. We have seen growth across our product line, from our original portable line-boring machine, which has been in production for 45 years, to our EJ200 Evolution Jack and our Multi-Handler. Sales are increasing year-on-year due to growing safety concerns in mining. There is a movement away from a single-cylinder jack toward our remote-control option because of safety and efficiency. Truck sales are increasing as the mining industry accelerates production, particularly in open-pit mines. Where have you spent the federal funding that you recently received?
We started a second shift last year and invested in robotic welding, a new shear, and a new brake. We updated our welding machines to modernize them, allowing us to improve our aluminum welding, which makes up a large part of our manufacturing. One of our largest projects was introducing a second Toshiba CNC Horizontal boring machine, one of the largest in Sudbury, along with a five-axis CNC machine to increase our capacity and production speed. What type of R&D is B&D Manufacturing focused on?
All our OEM equipment runs very efficiently with diesel engines, but we have clients curious as to what we can offer in the battery-operated space, something that our team has been working on for roughly six months. The option was available on our multi-handler, and we are in the process of upgrading it to a more current battery technology. We are also looking at manufacturing some lighter products. Is there a final message you have for our audience?
Our future growth will be based on having inventory available for immediate sale and shipping, cutting our lead times for products such as our align-boring machines.