MacLean is known for its signature rock bolter but over the years the company has expanded its product suite to include a full range of ground support, ore flow, and production support units for the mining and construction industries. “The need for underground equipment that improves safety, productivity, and machine availability is universal but MacLean has learned that the introduction of our products and support also needs to be culturally adapted to places like Australia, Mexico, Chile, and South Africa,” says Tony Caron, the company’s General Manager for Latin America. “We made the investment in international branches so that we could be on the ground in the hard rock mining hubs around the world and deliver local service and support on four continents.” Caron shares that several variables had to be considered when setting up a company in Mexico, especially since MacLean is a relatively small, family company that is new to the process. “We managed to enter Mexico, Peru, Africa, Australia, and the US in one year,” he states. “Mexico is definitely the most challenging to enter yet more rewarding as the results have been quite positive just three years in.” This is not only due to regulatory areas but also adaption of the equipment. Caron continues, “We initially had to adjust to the geological variables between Canada and Mexico. Ground conditions in Canada are different than in Mexico so we had a learning curve when we first entered the market."

In the face of such hurdles, René Valle, the company's General Manager of Mexico and Central America, says constant communication with the customer is essential. “The company depends on a structure designed for resilience in the face of market variations and this helps keep up us afloat,” he points out. “The company’s clients were not easy to convince but they are responsive to machines that provide safety and are adapted to norms.” Over the last two years the government has established many fiscal changes, and companies are struggling to adapt to the new landscape. To thrive, players have to learn quickly, understand, and adapt to the taxes and new procedures.

Caron emphasizes the value of innovation in the company’s strategy. “MacLean strives to develop cutting edge products and is constantly on the lookout for ways to adapt to new markets,” he explains. “There is a dominant trend toward the electrification of the mining industry in Canada that could be imported to Mexico.” Maclean is therefore establishing a fleet of electrical equipment that eliminates the diesel engine, and Caron sees these products as part of the answer to reduced profitability in the mining industry. MacLean uses ground support as a way to help mining companies save capital through cost reductions, multifunctional machines, electrification, and the development of new products like its LR3 High Reach/Heavy Load machine that replaces the telehandler. “The latter equipment is becoming illegal in most countries as it is usually not certified for lifting workers and does meet these countries’ braking standards for underground mining,” Caron clarifies. “MacLean comes to the rescue by developing its own heavy duty equipment that can replace the hazardous forklift.”

Valle does not believe the mining industry will change greatly in the near future but it will quickly grow after it overcomes the downturn. “Clear rules and guidelines need to be established to support long-term growth in recognition of how important the sector is for the economy,” he adds.