Looking at it from the perspective of the consumables we sell, I believe that one of the most significant changes in recent years is that mechanics at repair and service centres have started to think not only as engineers, but also as economists. In other words: “What impact would an improvement to a particular product have, not only in terms of increasing production, but also in terms of reducing costs associated with machine or equipment downtime, electricity consumption, and additional labour?”
Guided by these principles, we strive to cover a wide range of products for every problem that needs to be addressed proactively. This includes combating abrasion and acidity, as well as damage caused by impact and other, more specific challenges encountered in certain production processes, where characteristic chemical reactions can lead to corrosion, oxidation or pickling.
For this purpose, we are increasingly looking for and recommending the use of wear-resistant components made from patented high-hardness or abrasion-resistant alloys, chemical grouts, impact-absorbing epoxies and rubber components.
Many managers of companies involved in aggregate production and road construction are also increasingly focusing on establishing environmental protection criteria. This has, of course, been driven by the European Union and the need to comply with a number of directives.
At SanRock Ltd., as an intermediary between manufacturers and end users, we monitor these requirements and continuously seek products that, wherever possible, comply with the principles and requirements of ISO 14001 standards, particularly with regard to carbon footprint reduction and ozone protection. We also strive to follow specific procedures for managing circular-economy practices in the storage and delivery of our products.
However, the most important factor on which we never compromise, and which we continuously strive to uphold, is the prevention of accidents and the protection of human life, particularly in terms of reducing the risk of workplace injuries.
We have always stood behind the principle that if a high-risk work process can be replaced by a machine or by an improved technological solution, then it should be. Industrial development is constantly moving forward, including towards the integration of artificial intelligence. Machines, consumables and software applications still cannot completely replace people, but wherever they can reduce the risk of injuries or more serious accidents, they are always preferable.
With every product, we look for such improvements – whether in the installation process, the design or the operating characteristics. For us, this is essential. When we do not find such improvements, we look for an alternative solution that we can recommend as a preferred option.
One example that comes to mind is the so-called “tooth-to-adapter hammerless locking system” incorporated into Esco's latest developments. Another is the simplified and safer system for fixing and tensioning conveyor belt cleaners developed by the German company Schulte Starclean. We can also point to our epoxy grout for the cones of crushing systems, whose primary function is to absorb impact and dampen vibrations, as well as Motion Metrics' specially designed software for AI-based process management in quarries, and many other examples.
There is no doubt that over the past 15 years we have witnessed a boom in new technologies and innovations, giving the industry a significant advantage when it comes to controlling budgets – from planning the replacement of costly consumables to optimising maintenance intervals and service costs.
