US-based bulk materials-handling group Martin Engineering, whose South African business unit is exhibiting at Electra Mining Africa, sees significant opportunities for its technology in developing regions, such as China, India, South Africa and parts of Latin America.

The Illinois-headquartered company, which operates in 15 countries, provides technology to make bulk materials handling cleaner, safer and more productive.

Martin Engineering’s focus has traditionally been on the coal mining and coal-fired power industries and, while most North American coal operations have already incorporated a number of engineered products into their bulk handling systems, many operations in developing regions have yet to integrate these components.

North American operations, however, remain part of the group’s core business, and the firm continues to develop new products and designs to improve productivity and safety.

Martin Engineering also has an established footprint in other industries, including cement, rock/aggregates, biomass handling, ore mining and pulp/paper manufacturing among others.

The initial idea for the company’s inception came as Edwin F. Peterson watched co-workers struggle to overcome sand blockages on the foundry's mold-making machines by pounding on the hoppers with hammers. Peterson was troubled by the safety risks, equipment damage and loss of productivity that resulted. Those concerns prompted him to design the Vibrolator Industrial Vibrator, which uses the rotation of a single steel ball in a hardened steel raceway, propelled by compressed air.

After the development of a number of successful industrial vibrator designs during the company’s first two decades, management made a decision in the 1960s to begin developing high-performance products for conveyor applications. That business has grown into a rich product line of belt cleaners, dust containment products, transfer point solutions, safety components, flow aids and many other innovations to improve bulk materials handling. 

Martin Engineering believes that several elements have helped establish the firm as a globally respected brand, one of which is the education and training that assists customers in improving their levels of safety and productivity.

“Safety has always been one of the driving forces behind Martin Engineering’s business, as exemplified in its products, services and training.  It was one of the motivations for the company’s very first commercial products, and remains a key element of every design. Some products are developed specifically to meet safety objectives, such as conveyor guards, safety shields, roller guards and inspection doors.  In all cases, whenever a new product design is being considered, safety and ease of service are among the foremost considerations,” the company explains.

As conveyor systems continue to get larger, longer and faster, so does the importance of safety training. The initial volume of the company’s Foundations™ series of reference books was published in 1991 as a practical resource for helping bulk materials handlers operate more safely and efficiently.  Now, in its fourth edition, the book has become a vital component of the international training programmes developed by Martin Engineering, which include on-site workshops, online courses and certification.

“As the trend toward downsized operations in coal and power-related industries continues, many customers are finding that the training has become an essential component of their own continuing education programmes, and they are outsourcing this critical function to the expert teams at Martin Engineering,” the company says. 

In the future, Martin Engineering management envisions a rise in the trend of global information sharing, with its Center for Innovation as an institution growing beyond the walls of the actual facility, collecting and disseminating information, creating new designs and developing new ideas. The company will also continue encouraging students in the study of engineering, collaborating with universities and offering internships that help build and strengthen its global team. 

Martin Engineering At Electra Mining Africa

At Electra Mining Africa, the South African business unit of Martin Engineering will be focusing on its flow aid range, which includes air cannons, sonic horns and vibration. This product line assists clients especially in the aggregate and cement industry with material flow problems, such as blockages.

In a move designed to strengthen its leadership position in dust control for bulk material handlers, Martin Engineering recently acquired TNJ Industries, an Arizona-based firm specialising in dust management for crushing and conveying of mined materials. The company will display its dust suppression products and will have a dust suppression specialist at the show to assist customers with enquiries.

The Pin Latch secondary cleaner will also be on display to showcase its unique technology. The product is simple to install and requires low maintenance.

Martin Engineering will also display some new products, which can assist customers in maintaining a cleaner, safer and more productive plant.

Hall 6 Stand K12