Sabrina Zhang, Director for Aftermarket Sales, Services and RMI Operations in China, said this is a game-changing development that will open the door to increased sales of its equipment.

RMI Pressure Systems, part of Armstrong Fluid Technology, supplies high-pressure and high-volume fluid pumping stations.

“RMI has been a leader in supplying premium quality pump stations to Chinese underground mines for more than 30 years,” said Zhang. “Our local manufacturing capability – certified by the MA Centre – will give us greater opportunity to build on our strong reputation in China.”

The MA Centre is the Chinese agency responsible for approving and certifying the safety of mining products before they can be used underground. RMI’s success in the Chinese market has to date been based on a relatively small number of international public tenders. With the MA certification, the company can now participate in potentially hundreds of local tenders each year.

“Our certified manufacturing facility in Shanghai allows us to approach the whole market, which is a very exciting prospect for us,” Zhang explained. The facility – owned by RMI’s holding company Armstrong Fluid Technologies – is now certified to produce 15 different models of high pressure pumps.

Sabrina Zhang, Director for Aftermarket Sales, Services and RMI Operations in China. 

The rigorous certification process has taken about a year, according to RMI Commercial Director Robert Yang.

“The MA process included the preparation of extensive documentation, as well as site inspections of our facilities,” said Yang. “We were also required to test the flow and pressure of our emulsion pumps and water pumps in our facility.”

The certification binds RMI to manufacture and assemble its pumps in strict compliance with the specifications set out in the documentation. There is also a facility inspection conducted by the MA Centre every 18 months, to confirm that it remains in line with requirements.

Boosting its localisation strategy with the recent MA certification, RMI is also working more closely with customers to service its existing large pump systems in China. The company emphasises the importance of scheduled maintenance, providing specially designed component modules and kits.

“This takes the guesswork out of maintenance, as customers will know when certain components need to be replaced,” Zhang explained. “For instance, we recommend that a Grade A overhaul is conducted after each longwall panel, which focuses on the fluid end components.”