Since repurchasing its Australian trademark from OneSteel in December 2008, Victaulic has expanded its Australian sales support staff to 14.

The company said its latest recruit, David Balfour, had 30 years of experience in sales and customer support to the industrial sector and had worked as a mechanical design engineer for coal conveyor design.

Victaulic said Balfour will provide onsite technical and sales support for the company’s pipe joining systems on mine piping projects.

“Balfour will work closely with owners, engineers and contractors of mining systems to ensure Victaulic products are engineered to fit service requirements and provide additional installation support,” the company said.

Victaulic has also released the installation-ready Style 177 coupling which targets the mining industry and joins standard cut grooved and roll grooved steel pipe.

“The coupling's unique design eliminates loose parts, ensures consistent installation and provides substantial gains in productivity,” the company said.

Victaulic appointed BlueScope Steel as the national distributer of its mechanical joining products in September.