“The acquisition of Hydra Mining Tools supports ESCO's global expansion and, at the same time, provides a new range of products for underground mining markets,” the company said Monday.

ESCO said Hydra had been successful in recent years with its expansion efforts into China.

“Hydra's focus on underground consumable parts and related capital equipment is well aligned with ESCO's position in consumables and equipment for surface mining,” it said.

Hydra, which focuses on the design and supply of underground mining cutting systems, particularly shearer drums and cutting tools with carbide inserts, conveyor belts, and other related components, has sales and manufacturing arms in the UK as well as the US and China.

ESCO, based in Oregon, has added 130 employees to its fold post-acquisition, for a total workforce of 5200 worldwide.

Last month, ESCO announced it had established a sales and service base at Rutherford in Australia to target the Hunter Valley coal industry.

ESCO Asia Pacific managing director Jeff Kershaw said the Rutherford centre was a crucial step forward to directly serve Australian customers with the company’s quality products and support services.

The equipment maker will supply a range of gear for open cut mines in the region, including its full line of ground engaging tools featuring its trademarked tooth systems, along with buckets and related wear parts.

ESCO Rutherford also sells a complete range of manganese-rich steel crusher products, bi-metallic wear buttons and blocks, and ESCO truck bodies.