Deilmann-Haniel Mining Systems GmbH (dhms), the German manufacturer of mining, shaft sinking and tunnelling equipment, recently opened a new branch office in Moravian-Silesia in the Czech Republic, reflecting the importance of that market to the group. The dhms facility in the František industrial zone in Horní Suchá in the Ostrava region was built on the premises of a former mine and won the Czech industry ministry’s 2010 ‘Brownfield of the Year’ award. The branch opened for business in February 2012 after the company, which has its production facilities and headquarters in Dortmund, Germany, decided to move closer to a strategically important customer in the coal industry. dhms representatives say that opening the facility close to the major customer “is strategically important as it offers further development opportunities.” Image Archive OKD

“Currently, around 42 machines – roadheaders, drill jumbos, loaders and dinter loaders are operated in these mines. It is logical that we want to ensure our cooperation efficient, economical and comfortable; hence, we have to be as close as possible to our customer. In our service facility in Horní Suchá we are able to do almost complete overhauls, service and revision operations. We don’t have to ship the entire machine back to Germany, which, of course, makes a positive impact on cost efficiency,” said Michael Wasik, Manager of the Czech branch of dhms. Having a branch office so close to a major customer enables dhms to shorten reaction times, do quicker repair and refurbishment jobs and to generally provide the client with optimum service. dhms provides a 24 hours/7 days service to cover customer needs.

With a response time of four hours at any time of day, resolving any issues that may have emerged or replacing a damaged part from stock. These mines in Moravian-Silesia were the first to use the new dhms roadheader R75. “These machines fit the bill when highly efficient roadheaders are requested in order to achieve good daily advance rates together with high support quality and comparatively reduced man power consumption” said Wasik, adding that the very demanding geological conditions in the mines provide the best testing environment for the new technology.