XEMC, which through subsidiary Xiangdian Heavy Equipment is the first dump truck manufacturer in China to sell independently designed and manufactured large mine haul trucks, is utilising advanced seals from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. The two companies started working together in 2009 and Trelleborg’s sealing products are now installed in the lift cylinders, steering cylinders and suspension cylinders of Xiangdian’s 220 t (SF33900) and 300 t (SF35100) dump trucks. In the long-term, Xiangdian is set to increase annual mine truck production to 200 machines. The company also plans to list publicly this year, and preparations are already underway.
President of Xiangdian Heavy Equipment, Li Jiping commented: “In the future, we will have huge demands for sealing products as our product range expands. Based on effective communication, we expect Trelleborg to develop both cost-effective and custom products so that the cooperation can be strengthened.” As previously reported by IM, at the end of May 2011, the first SF35100 electrically-driven haul truck rolled off the Xiangdian production line. “Our decision to design and manufacture large sized trucks was based on the overall development plan of the company,” said Li Jiping. “From 1974 to 2007 we relied on the 108 t dump truck. After Xiangdian Heavy Equipment was established in 2007, we developed the 220 t dump truck in 2008 and achieved pilot production. This contributed to increased profit and business expansion. From a technical perspective, the large-tonnage dump truck has a different body structure, which poses great challenges in terms of manufacturing and parts. Our engineers made full use of a wide range of resources and overcame a lot of difficulties. ”
China has imported more than 200 large-tonnage dump trucks for its economic development including models from Komatsu, Terex (now Caterpillar) and BELAZ. A market survey carried out by Xiangdian suggests that demand will continue to grow in China, and they believe as a result that demand will be strong for a domestically built offering. Besides consolidating its leading position in the domestic dump truck market, Xiangdian Heavy Equipment has also taken an active role in opening up new markets overseas. Also previously reported by IM, in May 2011 Xiangdian also signed an agreement with Rio Tinto to export mining trucks to its operations in Australia. According to the agreement, Xiangdian has manufactured custom-made 220 t SF33900 electric drive trucks for Rio Tinto. This represents the first export of Chinese-made heavy duty mining trucks with independent intellectual property rights. “We started negotiations with Rio Tinto in 2008,” says Li. “They made an assessment of our quality system, technical exchange, customer support and other aspects of our service. In turn, we also visited their mines. The contract was finalised following negotiations on design and the manufacture of parts and the finished truck.” Li adds that the two parties are committed to achieving mutual benefits. “We are capable of developing and manufacturing world-class dump trucks, while Rio Tinto’s substantial experience in the use of mining equipment may help us enhance product performance and competitiveness. For China’s equipment manufacturing industry, the cooperation marks the first time dump trucks have been exported, which is a confidence builder for our national industry.”