Under the brand ARO, Hydramatic designs and manufactures specialised drilling/bolting machines for the installation of strata control in underground mines and tunnels.

For Sandvik, the acquisition will offer an expanded product offering to complement its impressive range of strata control equipment.

With a long history of strong engineering performance, good products and high research and development competence, Hydramatic has a strong market position in Australia and is active in the main coal producing markets of South Africa, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom and China.

The Hydramatic business – with 290 employees and its head office and manufacturing facilities in New South Wales – will be integrated into the Sandvik Mining and Construction operations and be consolidated as of February 28, 2007.

Sandvik Mining and Construction president Lars Josefsson said the acquisition is in line with the group’s long-term strategy of continuing growth.

“Hydramatic is an innovative company with a strong market position, and by acquiring it we intend to grow the business and further develop the product globally. The acquisition also extends Sandvik’s underground mining product offering and allows for global distribution through our existing sales channels,” Josefsson said.

“The acquisition gives the Hydramatic business more opportunity to grow by providing access to the resources of a world leading mining equipment group.”