January 2011 marked a significant achievement for MacLean Engineering. It proudly delivered its 300th production MacLean Scissor Bolter (900 Series Scissor Bolter) to Musselwhite.The cmpany says the MacLean Bolter, both the 928 (with a 2.4 m work platform) and the 946 (with a 1.8 m work platform), “has become the industry standard for mechanised bolting in underground mines.Inspired by his vision for a safe, more productive application of rock bolting, Don MacLean (founder of MacLean Engineering) pioneered platform bolting with the development of the MacLean Bolter. Today, MacLean Bolters (Series 900 and the SSB) are considered leaders in the Canadian market.

Prior to the development of mechanized (semi and fully) bolting, miners relied solely on manual methods for the installation of ground support, using handheld pneumatic rock drills and/or jackleg stoppers. Although, manual methods still have their place in mining (a necessity in very small headings), mechanised bolting and screening has revolutionized the process of ground support; results being increases in productivity, accuracy and most of all safety.

The 900 Series Scissor Bolter was instrumental in this industry transformation.Today, it is still the only product to offer semi-mechanised ground support from an elevated work platform, where all bolting and screening is carried out under supported ground.This feature sets the MacLean Bolter apart from all other product offerings as it delivers superior safety (the operator is always working under supported ground), ease of application (the operator is able to work right at the face, manipulating screen and use a variety of rock bolts) and efficiency (with features like a Remote Drive System, the MacLean Bolter facilitates a one-person operation).These are just some of the reasons why the 900 Series Scissor Bolter has become a master brand in the application of ground support in underground mining.