Company officials confirm it is the exclusive US distributor for UK-based Trolex, including its fixed gas detectors for underground mining.

Trolex’s line includes gas detectors, sensors and environmental monitoring systems. While the company has grown in popularity with original equipment manufacturers, Strata will bring its methane detector technology directly to mines through the partnership.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Trolex to offer this technology in the United States markets,” president and chief operating officer Mike Berube said.

“It has been Strata’s vision to offer completely wireless, battery-powered and intrinsically safe atmospheric monitoring systems, which include the additional safety benefits of post-accident monitoring and data revival.”

Strata said the Trolex systems would be available for both replacements and advancements of existing monitoring systems underground. The devices will integrate with Strata wireless networks to provide continuous data retrieval.

While installation and maintenance on these systems can be performed by general plant maintenance personnel, Strata confirmed it would offer full technical and application service packages as needed and can assist with installation, commissioning, service and support.

Strata’s second alliance, with Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-headquartered Draeger Safety, makes the Atlanta supplier a primary distributor for Draeger’s mining divisions east of the Mississippi River.

Strata will carry Draeger’s complete line of personal safety and protection equipment, mine rescue apparatus, self-contained self-rescuers and personal gas detection devices for all mining types.

It also will provide support for Draeger’s mine rescue initiatives, including training, competitions, service and maintenance.

“We are very pleased to partner with Strata in this vital region of the mining market,” North American vice president Tim Martin said.

“Strata adds an excellent sales and support network to promote and service our extensive family of mining products. That family not only includes the well-known rescue products but operational, health & safety products as well.

“This relationship between Draeger Safety and Strata offers the mining community the means, capability and capacity to reach the NMA's [National Mining Association’s] CoreSafety goal of 0:50:5 [zero fatalities and a 50 per cent reduction in accidents in five years].”

All servicing, maintenance, repairs and replacement of consumables for Draeger’s products sold through the partnership will be performed at Strata’s regional support centers.

Marking its growth spurt, Strata has appointed Alinger vice president and general manager for Strata Safety Products. He will in part drive the new connections forward.

Albinger served for 15 years with Conspec Controls, most recently serving as its president.

The Lean Six Sigma certified executive brings with him a background in continuously improving processes and strategies to maximize efficiency.

In addition to leading the Trolex and Draeger partnerships, Rob will manage Strata’s existing relationship with Northern Light Technologies, overseeing the comprehensive operations of these product lines including sales, service, customer support and repairs.

“We recognize the value Rob can offer Strata as we enter into these new distribution agreements with Draeger Safety and Trolex,” Berube said.

Albinger will be based out of Strata’s western Pennsylvania facility, which is opening in early 2013.