HARD-LINE, which specializes in remote-controlled technology, has been bought by Hexagon
HARD-LINE, a Sudbury mining supplier specializing in remote control technology, has been acquired by the Swedish company Hexagon.
According to a June 12 news release issued by the companies, HARD-LINE will now come under Hexagon’s mining division.
“With Hexagon’s expertise and our internationally recognized technology, this acquisition really benefits both companies and customers in many ways,” Walter Siggelkow, president of HARD-LINE, said in the release.
“While HARD-LINE solutions have positively changed how critical mining tasks are accomplished underground by our customers over decades, the geographical footprint achievable with Hexagon will only increase our impact towards safer mines through autonomous processes.”
The two companies have been partners for some time. In 2021, Hexagon announced it would become a distributor for HARD-LINE’s TeleOp system.
Launched in 1996, HARD-LINE designs and manufactures remote control systems for mining applications. Its systems enable users to operate heavy machinery from a control station in a safe area at a distance, removing workers from hazardous situations.
Its main location is based in Dowling, a bedroom community of Sudbury, with an additional technology centre located in the downtown core and branch offices in Chile, Peru, and the U.S.
Hexagon said the acquisition would complement its other offerings, which allow for “autonomously managing vehicle traffic, improving fleet situation awareness and introducing drill automation while protecting drivers, pedestrians and equipment in the most demanding environments.”
“The pressure to remove humans from dangerous situations where it’s unsafe to operate a manned vehicle is increasing, particularly as mines push deeper underground for minerals and metals,” Nick Hare, president of Hexagon’s mining division, said in the release.
“We recognize that remote control is a key enabler of the autonomy required to answer this need, which is one of many reasons we’re so delighted to welcome HARD-LINE to the Hexagon family.”
Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Hexagon develops technology to boost efficiency, productivity, quality and safety across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, public sector, and mobility applications.
The company employs 24,000 people in 50 countries.