The product, which will be known in Australia as DeltaGRID, has been extensively proven in the US market by industrial engineering company Tensar.

DeltaGRID is a knitted polyester mesh used in underground coal mines as roof protection to those recovering longwall equipment.

Delta SBD has participated in more than a third of all longwall projects in Australia and recently completed its 100th longwall move project.

Using its expertise in longwall management, Delta SBD will provide customers with a fully customised DeltaGRID recovery mesh solution including product design and support, delivery and installation, managing director and chief executive Steve Bizzaca said.

“Introducing competition into the Australian market will deliver real benefits to our clients through providing them with greater choice,” he said.

“This exclusive alliance with Saint-Gobain ADFORS is a key part of our strategy to provide a line of innovative products that complement our core mining services business and improve our competitive advantage.

“DeltaGRID will buttress our solid existing experience and expertise in servicing longwall mining operations.”

Tensar has provided the product as the American agent for the Saint-Gobain ADFORS for more than 20 years. Tensar has a majority market share in the highly competitive American longwall market.

Delta SBD recently appointed Chris Rogers as its general manager of mining products, reflecting its commitment to product innovation.

Rogers is working on a number of initiatives to deliver new products to customers.

“Delta SBD has a deep understanding of the market and adding new products such as DeltaGRID to our client offering will further enhance our extensive industry experience and capability,” Rogers said.