Astec has announced its expanded partnership with equipment dealer Mineral Processing Solutions (MPS), part of the OPS Group.
Astec Australia and Mineral Processing Solutions (MPS) have signed an expanded dealer agreement for the construction materials sector to support Astec’s Australian customers.
The new dealer agreement includes the construction materials product lines in Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania. This means that MPS, part of the OPS Group, will supply Astec Material Solutions with fixed and modular plant, equipment, parts and services throughout Australia.
Under the terms of the new agreement, MPS will distribute all Astec fixed and modular crushing, fixed screening and washing equipment and systems, as well as material handling (Telestack) and Breaker Technology (BTI) products to all states and territories.
David Smale, regional managing director for Astec Industries, said expanding the partnership with MPS was easy given their long-standing history.
“We have the same values. It’s like when you’re looking for a business partner and you’re looking to grow; it is so much easier when you have the same values,” he told Quarry.
“They hold the customer front of mind with their relationships and look after the customer long-term, and there is a lot of alignment there.”
This follows the two companies’ announcement earlier this year that MPS would take over Astec’s fixed plant equipment distribution in New South Wales, with further states to follow in the coming years.
Those plans have been brought forward, and Smale credited the work of Adam Gordon, business line manager for material solutions at Astec Industries, and Shane Czerkasow, managing director at OPS Group, for growing the partnership.
“Shane is very operational, he’s in front of the customer all the time, and he’s driving us to perform better as well, which is nice,” Smale said.
“Adam deserves a special mention as well … I put him in charge when we took over the dealership with MPS; that was his baby. I am looking forward to this expansion and seeing how Adam makes it hum because he’s a big part of it.”
The expanded agreement effectively creates a “one-stop shop” for Astec’s fixed crushing and screening equipment, material handling (Telestack), and breaker technology through MPS. While little will change for existing customers, they can now use the Australian-based dealer to access the complete range of Astec’s fixed plant screening and crushing throughout Australia.
Through the new agreement, Astec’s customers will have a clear point of contact for equipment, parts, and services. However, the expanded partnership is set to benefit customers in Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania greatly.
OPS Group celebrated 35 years of operation earlier this year. MPS maintains depots across Australia’s East Coast in Goodna (Queensland), Rutherford (New South Wales) and Laverton (Victoria), which are well-stocked for parts. It also possesses an experienced sales and service team with extensive industry knowledge in all states and territories.
“We choose the dealer who will have a better impact on our customers. If we can’t find a dealer who improves what we’re doing for our customers, then what’s the point?” Smale said.
“So, through MPS, we will be able to get a lot closer to our customers, particularly in those regions where we don’t have the resources to do so. We are aligned in our values in how we service the customer.
“The third consideration is that we felt we could have a stronger business, with more volume in the business and service the customer better with MPS.”
With the expanded partnership underway, Smale said he was excited to see what the future would bring for MPS and Astec and their Australian customers.
“The MPS team’s extensive local market knowledge and experience in mineral processing – supported by Astec’s innovative technologies and manufacturing capability – has made MPS the perfect partner to deliver outstanding products and service. I’m delighted to be making this announcement and look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on our customers working alongside MPS. Such synergy will continue to strengthen our market presence but also set highest standard for service in building the infrastructure of Australia.” •
For more information, visit astecindustries.com