Global bulk handling solutions provider Martin Engineering is marking 80 years of product innovation, engineering expertise and global growth.
Martin Engineering has become synonymous with the development and manufacture of innovations that deliver cleaner, safer and more productive bulk materials processing.
The company holds dozens of patents for engineering designs that have revolutionised workplace safety and production efficiency in foundation sectors like mining and quarrying, cement and steel production, as well as resource recovery and recycling.
Primarily focused on conveyor belt performance and bulk flow technologies, Martin products are proven to eliminate blockages, prevent spillages and reduce dust emissions.
During a month of celebrations in September 2024, the company invited customers, local communities, and employees’ families to its flagship Centre for Innovation in Illinois, US, and see for themselves the extent of the company’s investment in engineering research and technological advancement over eight decades.
Martin Engineering marketing manager Seth Mercer said visitors to the centre for Innovation were impressed by what they saw.
“People commented that the research facility was much bigger than it looked from the outside and more impressive than they anticipated, and they were amazed by the scale of the operation and breadth of our product range,” Mercer said.
“Even those who were familiar with Martin were both surprised and impressed with how much the company has grown in recent years.”
The Martin Engineering story began in the midst of World War II when Edwin F. Peterson, the son of Swedish immigrants, followed in his father’s footsteps and took a job as a pattern maker at a steel foundry and fabrication business in Illinois.
Peterson witnessed his co-workers using sledgehammers to beat on core machines, loosen the sand and release steel components from their moulds.
Troubled by the health and safety risks, equipment damage and loss of productivity, he was convinced there must be a better way and began working on a solution.
This led to the development of the Vibrolator – a compact ball vibrator that used compressed air to propel a ball bearing inside two steel raceways. The resulting vibration was enough to dislodge the sand and empty the core machines without the need for manual beating.
Today, Martin Engineering employs more than 1000 people worldwide in offices and factory facilities across six continents.
But despite its global presence, Martin remains family-owned – Ed H. Peterson is still chair, and the company’s culture is one of strong family values and a spirit of ‘better together’.
To find out more about Martin Engineering visit www.martin-eng.com