Mining Magazine > Panorama > Strata Products Worldwide acquires Frederick Mining Controls

Strata Products Worldwide, a global provider of quality mining and mine safety products and services, has formed Strata Proximity Systems, following the acquisition of Frederick Mining Controls, a leading developer and manufacturer of proximity detection and collision avoidance systems for the mining industry.

The alliance gives Strata worldwide distribution rights for Frederick Mining Controls’ HazardAvert proximity detection system. It also offers Strata the management of other HazardAvert distributors as well as control of all the distribution and marketing aspects of Strata Proximity Systems.

Strata chief operating officer Mike Berube commented: “The formation of Strata Proximity Systems and the acquisition of Frederick Mining Controls is a significant step forward for both Strata Worldwide and the HazardAvert system… The companies can now meet the growing market demand for these systems and provide the support required. Together, we have the resources to enhance the technology as well as increase production capabilities.”

Proximity detection and collision avoidance systems are designed to increase personnel safety awareness while working with and around mining machinery. Areas deemed potentially dangerous are ‘marked’ by the system and, when breached, the system automatically emits warning alarms and/or disables the machinery completely.

Strata Proximity Systems plans to invest considerable time and resources into the development and manufacture of these systems in response to upcoming changes in US coal mining regulations concerning proximity detection.