Handling and moving bulk materials have been basic yet challenging processes since the dawn of the industrial era. When industries had no choice but to employ dirty, noisy, damaging and hazardous means, one visionary dared to ask: "How can I make these operations cleaner, safer and more productive?" Edwin Peterson's answer to his own challenge lives on through Martin Engineering, which continues to revolutionise bulk materials handling since Peterson founded it in 1944. Martin's solutions range from vibration-based flow aid systems to conveyor belt and transfer point efficiency enhancers and custom-engineered solutions for material spillage, dust and carryback-to-railcar unloading improvement. Martin boasts a global footprint spreading from the United States to Asia, where it reinforced its presence by the opening of its 10,000-square-metre factory in Jiangsu last year. "We are among the few providers that complement solutions with services - from installation and maintenance systems' improvement to training and education," says Javier Schmal, managing director for Latin America. Covering Mexico, Peru, Chile and Argentina, Martin's Latin America operations are headquartered in Brazil, where it has been a local expert and trusted partner of industry leaders including Vale, BHP Billiton, Votorantim, Holcim and Petrobras for more than 20 years. "We know the market and its challenges, with an extensive coverage ensuring services anywhere in Brazil," Schmal says. "Local and foreign companies can rely on us to have safer and cleaner operations, extending their equipment's reliability, lifecycle and ultimately save on total ownership costs." Among Martin's latest innovations from Brazil for the heaviest applications are the EVO High Speed and Heavy Duty impact cradles. Designed to withstand the highest speeds and most challenging applications, these feature idlers that absorb impact energy while providing effective belt sealing together with the Super Heavy Duty Skirting system. "We aim to double our revenues next year by becoming a strong service-focused company as much as we are strong technology experts," Schmal says. Martin Engineering www.martin-eng.com