In this month’s Executive Q&A, NAM talks to Precision Pulley and Idler (PPI) CEO Matt Buckingham about his start, trends in mining consumables, and the company’s growth path.
Edited by Donna Schmidt
There isn’t a mine that does not use consumables, especially the key infrastructure components that keep mines on the move. PPI, nearing 50 years in business from its headquarters in Pella, Iowa, has been producing their namesake products as well as bearings, conveyor monitoring equipment, and more for mines in the U.S. as well as sites worldwide. While its CEO is a relative newcomer, he shares a unique perspective on mining and its core: the industry community itself.
NAM: Thanks for talking with NAM! Tell us a bit about how you got your start in mining, and how it’s brought you to where you are today.
Buckingham: I am relatively new to the mining industry. I was recruited to PPI approximately six years ago from a different industry, and have been learning ever since. Mining operations are complex, and I’ve discovered a new passion and energy as I learn as much as I can about our mining customers, their operations, and what unique challenges they each face.
I do have operations experience, but not in mining. My background is leading large manufacturing and distribution operations. My education has been largely centered around production and operations management, supply chain, and continuous improvement.
What has been your favorite element of the mining industry in your experience to date?
That’s easy, the people. I’ve found the majority of the people I meet to be smart, hardworking, and down to earth – qualities I admire and find very refreshing in today’s world.
PPI’s global footprint.
Can you talk a bit about PPI’s growth, and what has been your latest growth achievement?
It began more regionally and has grown to a global enterprise. PPI does have humble beginnings. Founded in 1977 by a small group of entrepreneurs who were building pulleys in a wooden shack one at a time, we have grown into a global leader in conveyor components building thousands of products daily in 14 locations in four countries. Our company has been 100% employee owned since 2006 and we have a track record of profitable growth.
Our latest growth achievement was the acquisition of Continental Conveyor in Winfield, Ala. Continental is a great fit for PPI with their focus on heavy duty conveyor systems and underground mining. We believe the two businesses are a great compliment to one another and allow us to offer an even more complete solution to the customer.
What is your perspective on the trends within the mining consumables sector? What are driving these trends?
Consumables are ever-changing, as are conveyor and bulk movement tech. Conveyors are a highly efficient and reliable method of moving bulk solids when routes are relatively constant.
As systems become larger, longer and more complex they tend to be increasingly important to the overall facility performance. This criticality is creating a demand for increased efficiency, performance, reduced maintenance, and condition monitoring of the components used in these systems.
Where do you hope to see your business, and yourself, in a decade?
We are excited about the future. The goal is to continue expanding our global footprint and innovating industry leading components and systems. God willing, I will still be here leading our employee-owned company into an ever-larger position of global leadership.