Famur is not abandoning the mining sector – on the contrary. The segment of machinery and equipment for mining remains one of the pillars of our business and we intend to develop it further – says Mariusz Sośnierz, CEO of Famur, in an interview with WNP. The Polish company has already supplied its innovative system for thin coal seams to two independent clients in China.
The mining machinery market is undergoing changes. The environment is more demanding than a few years ago, and clients expect solutions that provide the highest quality, efficiency and reliability – explains Sośnierz. Despite challenges on the domestic market, including a decline in orders from Polish coal companies and their financial difficulties, Famur sees growth potential abroad.
Currently, about 80 percent of Famur’s production is related to the mining sector, and the company maintains a full product portfolio covering longwall and roadway systems. The CEO stresses that the company is not shifting away from mining but is consolidating competences to build a stronger organization. An example is the concentration of hydraulics production in one location to improve efficiency.
Priority markets and machine exports
The United States remain a key development direction for Famur. We have been supplying underground mining solutions there for years, including powered roof supports, and we are systematically expanding sales of other products – says Sośnierz. The company competes with global giants and strong local manufacturers in the US, relying on engineering competences, quality and a local partner who knows the market well.
China is also a significant market. Famur has supplied the Mikrus system there – a unique solution for mining thin coal seams. The fact that it was chosen by two independent clients confirms its competitiveness – adds the CEO. He notes that the company sees further potential in China, India, Kazakhstan and Australia. In India, underground mining is still developing, which opens new opportunities.
Domestic market and new technologies
On the Polish market, Famur adapts to changing conditions. An example is the longwall complex launched this year at the Janina mine, equipped with an innovative electrohydraulic control system. We see room for modern projects regardless of the market situation – states Sośnierz. The company also invests in its own potential, spending about PLN 38 million on machinery and technological facilities.
Famur is open to acquisitions that strengthen competences. The company does not plan to relocate production but rather concentrates competences in centers with the best experience and technical facilities. The model based on specialization allows for better use of assets and effective competition on international markets.
Our solutions are used not only in coal mining but also in other segments, such as projects in Italy and Mexico – concludes Sośnierz. Famur also develops activities in renewable energy, industrial gearboxes and the defense sector, treating them as a natural complement to the core mining business.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. materiały prasowe Famur
