During 2002, HMI moved their operations from Perth to Brisbane, meaning they are now able to deliver overnight to most of the eastern states and within two working days to other areas. In 2005 HMI established a subsidiary company in New Zealand, with stock of regular items being held in Auckland.

Adding the Betek range of products in 2004 has provided clients with an alternative source for a large range of tungsten carbide-tipped wear parts. Betek’s expertise and market-influencing position are founded on decades of experience in the manufacture of tungsten carbide.

Betek sinter in excess of 1,200 metric tonnes of tungsten carbide products a year, and have recently expanded their facility, adding the latest technology in powder spraying and sintering.

Betek tools were initially used for mining, and today the production line comprises wear parts for more than ten applications which focus on road construction, foundation drilling and the recycling industry, as well as mining and tunnelling.

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The entire range of products is produced at the company’s facilities in Aichhalden, located in the Black Forest region of Germany. The ground breaking tool line is being continuously expanded, providing the impetus for company growth.

Betek has expanded their presence in Australia by adding consignment stock from February 2007. This will ensure the expansion of the product range, while also reducing delivery times substantially. Their commitment to the Australasian market is substantial as they endeavour to meet their obligations on service and quality.

The capabilities from HMI’s Brisbane facilities are extensive, and include the manufacture vibratory tungchip feeders, CNC machining and Poly Crystalline Diamond reamer blades and tools; specialised drilling tools development; fabrication of specialised reamers and junk mills; refurbishment of PDC drill bits; contract brazing of tungsten carbide tiles onto customer supplied tools; demonstration of a variety of hard facing processes; and assistance with abrasive wear problems.

HMI is continually expanding their product range, focusing on traditional markets within the construction, drilling (vertical and horizontal), trenching, tunnelling, recycling and mining industries. New products are being developed to suit local conditions.