The test rig is capable of loading units to 2500 tonnes and at a height of over 6m.
The Wigan site, which currently employs more than 120 people, is the company’s Centre of Excellence for Joy longwall roof support design and development testing.
Joy said the new facility recently helped lead to an order from Anglo Coal’s Moranbah North mine in Queensland for what will be the biggest rated roof support in the world, rated at 1750t and capable of mining up to 5m in height.
The company also announced it had won the Queens Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.
Joy has increased export sales by almost 120% over the past three years with exports now representing around 90% of total sales of £245 million.
