RME to bring Masterblasters into mill relining machine supply fold - International Mining

Oct 14, 2024

Mill relining systems OEM, RUSSELL MINERAL EQUIPMENT (RME) has entered into an agreement to acquire industrial blasting and protective coatings business, Masterblasters.

Under the agreement, RME will acquire Masterblasters’ assets and operations. Masterblasters’ owner, Tim Hamblin, and Business Manager, Liz Hamblin, will also join RME, and all roles will be retained under this agreement.

Founded in Toowoomba, Queensland, in 2006 by Tim Hamblin, Masterblasters is a leader in abrasive blasting and industrial coatings. 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, described the acquisition as an opportunity to strengthen RME’s position as the most trusted OEM of mill relining technologies.

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

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. All RME’s fabricated components are free from weld splatter, grit-blasted and painted independently, prior to machine assembly.

“RME’s equipment is built to last, sustainably delivering decades of reliable service,” Russell added. “Lower asset lifecycle costs are assured for mill operators when equipment is genuinely built to last and properly maintained.

After identifying a gap in the market, Tim Hamblin started Masterblasters with a single paint and blast booth.

“From the beginning, our focus was on delivering the highest quality service for our Customers,” he said. “The first few years resulted in significant growth, confirming the demand. “Not long after starting, we identified RME as a customer, focused on quality and timely delivery. Within a couple of years, we went from protecting and finishing a few of their parts to protecting and finishing their industry-changing, RUSSELL Mill Relining Machines.

“Our customer roster continued to grow, as did the need for larger premises, more equipment, more staff and more training. Today, Masterblasters has become a trusted advisor to our customers. We adhere to the highest levels of comprehensive quality management and job testing.

“With some of the largest capacity blast and paint facilities in the region and an Association for Materials Protection and Performance certified employee, the business is also certified and fully compliant with the requirements of ISO quality, occupational health and safety, and environment management systems.

Russell continued, “We look forward to welcoming Tim, Liz and the whole Masterblasters team into our business.

“They are joining a global team of diverse and inclusive people who are working together to engineer innovative solutions that aspire to improve the human condition through responsible access to metals at lower cost. Forty years on, we remain steadfast in our aspiration as the world strives for a carbon-neutral future.

“RME is proud of the local jobs we have created, our contribution to Australia’s sovereign industrial capabilities, and our efforts to better the communities in which we operate.

“It has taken persistent innovation and enduring commitment from an exceptionally talented team at RME, forward-thinking Customers and reliable suppliers.

Settlement of the acquisition is expected to occur in the near future, following completion of customary transaction conditions.