Fenner restructures ECS operations

Seattle, Washington — Fenner Dunlop's Engineered Conveyor Solutions (ECS) division, the company's largest operation, is being restructured at the top level to put more emphasis on its regional and global presence.

It also is focusing more on the service end of its business.

David Landgren, formerly head of Fenner Dunlop's Australian sector, has been selected to head the entire global operation as ECS president.

Fenner Dunlop restructured ECS because “markets continually change, and the global mining industry is currently in a period of recession brought about by low mineral prices,” Cassandra Pan head of ECS-Americas said at the NIBA—The Belting Association convention, held 24-27 Sept in Seattle.

As a result, she said, “mining companies around the world are focused on reducing their costs, and some of the world's largest miners — and industrial accounts — are now exploring the possibility of global supply contracts.”

She said that it was difficult to take “full advantage” of opportunities with the current country-based structure.

While Fenner Dunlop isn't changing its focus on belts, it is placing more emphasis on the many services it can provide to customers, said Pan.

It's not simply about the best price anymore in the belting world, Pan said, noting that companies are looking for additional services, and Fenner Dunlop can provide them.

Its services include belt splicing and installation, conveyor system diagnostics and problem solving, belt condition monitoring and preventive maintenance, engineering services and training, and others.

“The objective of all services offered ... is to understand a customer's critical risks and inefficiencies and improve performance,” she said.