Russell Mineral Equipment to buy blasting, coatings business

Mineral processing mill relining systems manufacturer Russell Mineral Equipment has announced it is to acquire leading industrial blasting and protective coatings business, Masterblasters.

RME will acquire Masterblasters’ assets and operations, while Masterblasters’ owner Tim Hamblin and Business Manager Liz Hamblin will also join RME, retaining their roles.

Founded in Toowoomba in 2006, Masterblasters is a leader in abrasive blasting and industrial coatings, according to a statement.

“It delivers high performance surface protection for structures and equipment in challenging environments, including mining, oil and gas, utilities, defence, agriculture, transport, construction and manufacturing.

“For more than 15 years, Masterblasters has been a key, high-performing and reliable supplier to RME. ”

RME Founder, Executive Chairman and Chief Engineer Dr John Russell said the acquisition was an opportunity to strengthen RME’s position as the most trusted Original Equipment Manufacturer of mill relining technologies.

Dr Russell said: “RME’s commitment to quality manufacturing and machine longevity extends throughout the manufacturing process, including superior finished treatments with protective coatings.

“RME’s acquisition of Masterblasters will secure an important durability feature in our supply chain, and secure the long-term future of another world-class, Toowoomba-founded business and jobs.”

Russell Mill Relining Machines are used in mineral concentrators where acidic process waters and airborne contaminants present significant corrosion hazards and risk.

As such, abrasive blasting and industrial coatings are critical steps to ensure the durability and longevity of its equipment.

Dr Russell said: “As Masterblasters becomes part of RME’s business, our customers can be confident a key step in our manufacturing processes, that contributes to the durability and longevity of our equipment, can now be performed in-house. ”

Picture: John Russell (left) and Tim Hamblin