Autumn's Mining Magazine - another great article for Australian Power Equipment

Australian Power Equipment's dual directors are making twice the impact at mine sites thanks to their commitment to quality service and sustainability.

When establishing their company in 2020, Australian Power Equipment’s (APE) dual directors Abby Crawford and Andrew Cockbain knew they wanted to do things differently.

Together, Crawford and Cockbain have merged their 60 combined years of industry experience to offer some of Australia’s largest miners sustainable, high-voltage electrical power solutions.

“Our journey has been hallmarked by a commitment to sustainable practices and innovation, underpinned by the principles of a circular economy,” Crawford told Mining.

“We review our clients’ scope of work collaboratively and provide power solutions that fit their requirements, often times developing better outcomes for their site.”

A large part of APE’s offering comes in the form of refurbished and repurposed assets like electrical switchgear and transformers and relays.

“By investing in Australian service providers for refurbishing, re-engineering and testing equipment, we support local businesses and strengthen our communities,” Crawford said. “We also nurture our agency agreements with our new equipment suppliers globally.

“These relationships have transcended traditional supplier dynamics, evolving into partnerships based on shared values and mutual goals.”

APE has global partnerships with industry brands such as cable manufacturer Üntel, substation leader WE Walters, switchgear provider Leistung Energie, and B&D Transformers.

During a visit to B&D’s facility in Surabaya, Indonesia last year, Crawford was struck by the company’s genuine commitment to sustainability.

“From utilising environmentally friendly but superior quality, biodegradable natural ester transforming insulating oil in their transformers to implementing simple yet effective measures such as their multi-level open parking blocks adorned with lush foliage to mitigate pollutants, it’s evident that B&D prioritises both the environment and their people,” she said.

Cockbain and Crawford have made it a point to spend time with all their industry partners to secure a sense of connection, build an environment of transparency and trust, as well as a shared vision for the future.

Together, this network has helped Australian miners find solutions quickly and effectively that could have otherwise taken in excess of 40 weeks to arrive on site.

“We have been able to source parts and have them delivered to site as an expedited solution more times than we can count,” Cockbain told Mining. “One client recently needed a part in a tight timeframe and we had it on a plane from Singapore in two days.

“The client rang to find out where it was – the part was already installed at the mine.”

This kind of service isn’t the only area APE excels in. As Australian mining continues to expand and evolve, it’s more important than ever for the companies that support them with critical equipment and services to have strong foundations from which the sector can grow.

This goes beyond simply providing a high-quality offering – though a feat in itself – the strongest of today’s companies are defined by strong core values, a commitment to a better world, and an ability to grow with the needs of the sector.

Australian Power Equipment (APE) has all three qualities in spades.

Australian Power Equipment's’ funding allows Taronga to dedicate a Platypus Project Lead, from the husbandry team, to focus on developing operational, husbandry and scientific guidelines and operate our purpose-built refuge and research facility at Taronga Zoo Sydney.

“Critical conservation programs, such as our platypus conservation recovery program, cannot happen without the support from our partners. The knowledge and expertise within our two sites, drives our tangible conservation outcomes, and has the power to make a legacy impact for threatened species. Supporting people and skills provides the necessary fire for change and is one of the most crucial factors in project success. A heart-felt thank you to Australian Power Equipment for their continued engagement and support. Your partnership is making a difference to the future of the platypus”. - Dr Phoebe Meagher, Wildlife Conservation Officer, Taronga Conservation Society Australia.

“We hope to be remembered as leaders in sustainable business practices, demonstrating that profitability and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand,” Crawford said.

“Despite our exponential growth, we remain committed to selecting partnerships that prioritise impact over profit and align with our vision for a more inclusive and sustainable world.”

When establishing their company in 2020, Australian Power Equipment’s (APE) dual directors Abby Crawford and Andrew Cockbain knew they wanted to do things differently.