The inclusion of longwall shearers will allow DBT to provide a complete longwall package for all seam ranges. In addition, the deal gives DBT a market position in room and pillar equipment through Long Airdox’s range of continuous miners, battery scoops, shield movers, continuous haulage systems and other equipment.

 

 

 

Long Airdox has also had success in China with its mobile coal preparation plants.

 

"This acquisition is a complementary fit that significantly expands and diversifies our outstanding product line and strengthens our foundation for future growth amid the resurgence of the coal industry," said Bill Tate, a managing director of DBT and president of its US subsidiary, DBT America.

 

"With this acquisition, DBT is now positioned globally to offer virtually every product for underground mining, including equipment for room and pillar operations for the first time," Tate said. "DBT will now be a one-stop source of superior mining equipment and solutions."

 

The management of DBT’s Australian operations will be headed by managing director Andrew Richmond, finance director Uli Noll, and operations director, Terry Coggles.

 

 

Bill Tate, managing director of DBT and president of US subsidiary DBT America, left, and Kenneth Dickson, Long-Airdox president.

 

 

In a letter to Australian customers DBT Australia said: “The integration period has been underway for a number of months with task teams focused towards ensuring a smooth transition with no disruption to our customers. Our expanded networks of operations are geared to satisfy the demands of the market supported by an aggressive research and development program and also with extensive input from our customers.”

 

DBT is owned by RAG Coal International AG, based in Essen, Germany, one of the world's leading coal mining, trading and equipment manufacturing companies. With the acquisition, DBT has 3000 employees at more than 30 locations worldwide.

 

The group launched a new logo (see image) which it says is illustrative of the newly formed entity. The blue colour represents the earth and mining seams while the yellow symbolises strength and energy and "calls to mind a blazing flame".