Inbye will become part of the privately owned Nepean Group, which also controls Ampcontrol competitor MI Power.

“This important change will provide a strong and stable foundation required for the next stage of our growth and development as a significant supplier of large capital projects in the mining sector,” Inbye said.

Polish powered roof support manufacturer Kopex-Tagor will remain a significant Inbye shareholder and business partner.

Inbye said Kopex was supportive of the change in ownership.

“We are focussed on the challenges that face Inbye in its quest to become an accepted and preferred supplier of longwall mining systems and products,” Inbye managing director Richard Eveleigh said.

“We believe this change in the ownership structure will enable Inbye to work more effectively and closely with the key partners and system suppliers that we consider absolutely necessary for the achievement of our goal.

“We look forward to working closely and collaboratively as part of the mining businesses within Nepean Group to our mutual benefit.”

Nepean is well known for its conveyor division, which has long supplied products and services for Australia’s underground coal mines.