Rising to the challenge: Joy Global looks to diversify into new commodities 

Rising to the challenge: Joy Global looks to diversify into new commodities

Joy Global has established a fierce reputation for meeting the rigorous demands of the mining industry by providing innovative and reliable equipment, systems and direct services.

Founded in 1884, the equipment maker specializes in developing and manufacturing systems, equipment, parts, and services for underground and surface mining. Joy Global has become a worldwide leader in high-productivity mining solutions by helping miners optimize their cost-per-ton of ore produced. Through the integration of smart technology, Joy Global is now on the forefront of helping companies optimize the performance of an entire mining operation.

World class provider

In the wake of the declining commodity cycle, the equipment maker has begun expanding its capabilities into new markets to not only serve other sectors, but also become less exposed to mining downturns. Moving forward, a top priority for Joy Global is to diversify.

“By diversifying, we can become less exposed to the effects of a commodity downturn like we’ve seen in the past,” said Jason Savage, President of Joy Global Australasia, a significant link in the company’s global supply chain.

“What we’re seeking as a business is to diversify into more commodities and become less of a coal equipment provider. Our end goal is to serve all commodities through our world class equipment and services.”

Joy Global has recently emerged into the hard rock market with the acquisition off Mining Technologies International Inc. (MTI), helping to established itself as a key component in many hard rock mining operations worldwide.

Joy recently made a move to further bolster its position as a first tier supplier to the underground hard rock mining market, acquiring France-based Montabert S.A.S. Globally known for rock drill products and rock breakers, the Montabert acquisition gives Joy access to the company’s global distribution of rock drill products and rock breakers.

“They have historically sold their products through dealers in a broad range of markets,” said Savage. “We absolutely intend on leveraging their distribution while providing our muscle from a service and support aspect.”

As the company begins its journey into new markets, Joy is gearing up to launch an array of “game changing” equipment to the sector.

“We’re preparing to launch the world’s first hard rock driver in HD, as well as proven electric drive technology in conjunction with an energy storage system,” said Savage. The energy storage system will have the capability to store energy while the machine is operating, as well as idling. According to Savage, companies will be able to reduce their diesel consumption by 20 per cent, while releasing more energy into the drive train to drive faster cycle times.

“Although we’ve designed these machines to reduce operating cost, with energy system storing energy, companies can actually improve their performance while saving money,” Savage said.

Customer-driven solutions

For Joy Global, satisfying the demands of its customers is as equally as important as delivering superior equipment. The company remains steadfast on leveraging its knowledge of applications to better assist companies in achieving their desired results, and boasts one of the world’s largest direct service networks.

“We have a proficient global network of highly trained service personnel,” said Savage. “Our services have a direct connect to the support personnel such as design and engineering to suit the customers’ needs, as well as the workforce, to locally customize our products to solve specific regional problems.”

Joy Global continues to push the envelope with new technologies for the mining industry. The introduction of JoySmart Solutions combines the company’s direct service model with something the mining industry has notoriously shied away from — technology. The automation and analytics that make up JoySmart Solutions are taking Joy’s customers to new levels of performance by maximizing production, lowering costs and helping keep people from harm’s way.

“We’re utilizing this information to enhance performance, as well as linking to automation and predictive maintenance,” said Savage.

Partnering with IBM, Smart Services allows Joy Global to analyze and compare operating data from its worldwide fleet, helping to identify anomalies in machine performance and continuous improvements in products. The end result is a combination of improved availability, utilization and productivity, while also reducing operating costs.

According to Savage, the analytics produced allow Joy to better partner with its customers to provide direction and anticipate service needs, as well as optimize machine productivity to drive results and improve overall mine performance.

“We’re developing algorithms that can look at operational data measurements off the machine and detect trends and predict potential. The smart connected products include predictive technologies aimed at taking people out of harm’s way through the use of automation.”

Using data-driven intelligence, and the Internet of Things (loT) — a powerful new concept that will revolutionize the way the world works — Joy Global has established a key differentiator between itself and its competitors. Joy’s Smart Services aims to optimize mine performance by prioritizing maintenance, increasing utilization and reducing downtime for the equipment most critical to a mine’s operation.

Maintaining Joy’s message

Comprised of Australia, Thailand, Indonesia and New Zealand, Joy Global Australasia employs more than 1,200 staff and continues to be a dominant and reliable asset for the Pacific region mining sector.

“We’re thankful to say we have a lot of deep seated, long serving employees here at Joy Global Australasia. They have a deep passion for innovation and products and they pride themselves on what they supply,” said Savage.

(Jason Savage, President of Joy Global Australasia)

As the hallmark of Joy Global, innovation continues to be a living, breathing entity in Australasia. According to Savage, that mentality is collectively driven throughout the organization, encouraging people to push the boundaries of technology.

“We see ourselves as a technology and service company. As a culture, we are innovators and we’re driven by new products and solutions,” said Savage. “It comes right from the top here at Joy Global and we maintain that common message here in Australasia.”

Investing in employees is an aspect of Joy Global Australasia’s success. Along with common training programs, the company trains staff in various programs such as leadership skills, operational excellence, lean methodology in manufacturing and other sources in the business.

“We don’t just talk to the talk,” said Savage. “We talk about having smart people and we actively strive to provide the necessary training and resources to ensure employees are top notch. We’re not a ‘hire and fire’ type of business. We have immense pride in what we do and our employees reflect that passion.”

Joy Global Australasia is also an active participant in giving back to its surrounding communities. According to Savage, the company is involved in various programs such as cancer and mental health research, and readily contributes through donations and community involvement.

“We try to be unbiased with our community involvement. Joy is an active contributor in communities around the world and we maintain that message here in Australasia,” Savage concluded.