This article appeared in the May/Jun 2024 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

Between 2017 and 2021, there were 542 fatalities in the mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction industries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With its unique A64 HD Water Cannon product, Getman Corporation has been able to drastically reduce the dangers associated with a specific and potentially dangerous mining task through their revolutionary design solution. Because Getman mining machines can be found around the world, its footprint has put Michigan on the global map as an influential manufacturer of safe, durable and modern machinery for that industry. Because of this and several other reasons, Getman’s A64 HD Water Cannon was recognized as the first ever Michigan Manufactured Export of the Year for 2023.

“Getman’s company mission is Helping Miners Work Safely, and we’re reminded of that every day when we walk into our building,” says Desiree Saxman, Fabrication Supervisor. “When our machines go into these mines, they are put in very severe conditions, so they need to be designed and built robust enough to withstand those environments. We strive to produce a product that is not only going to be able to stand the test of time, but also provide a safe experience for the operators every time they step onto that machine.”

A Revolutionary Solution

In some underground mines, ore material is gravity fed into funnels that are known as draw points, which occasionally become clogged, explains Product Manager Chris Warner.

“In the past, they would use something as simple as a long pole or later, explosives to try to knock that material loose,” he says. “As you can imagine, hundreds of tons of material may be held up, so it’s extremely dangerous to put somebody in that type of situation.”

Recognizing the need for a simpler and safer solution, Getman developed the A64 HD Water Cannon product, which uses high-volume, high-pressure water to loosen those draw points.

“What’s nice is that the machine can be easily backed into a draw point,” Warner says. “The machine has a 6-meter boom that can be extended, allowing the operator to use that high-pressure, high-volume water to knock that material loose. In addition, the machine can be operated completely by remote, so we can remove the operator from that dangerous situation entirely.”

Saxman says Getman invests an extraordinary amount of effort into their fabrication department personnel and processes to reduce the chance of machine failures in the field.

“The equipment is expected to be ready to work the moment it shows up on site and continue working hard all the way through its entire life, which in some cases can be 30 years,” says Manufacturing Director Travas Reniger.

Company Values and Support

Through a combination of distributor networks and direct customer support across the world, Getman’s solutions for the underground mining industry are hard at work on six continents.

“The U.S. market is really strong for us, but most of our equipment goes overseas to other markets,” Reniger says. “It’s a challenge exporting around the world but, for us, we think it makes us smarter. Our customers expect us to be experts in just about everything: their mine methods, the layouts, the safety regulations, all while providing exceptional aftermarket parts and technical service support. Being able to build those standard products while also incorporating those specific regional needs and ultimately delivering a product that meets the customer’s needs is key.”

Reniger says Getman aims to react quickly to their customers’ ever-changing needs and make optimal equipment that suits their purpose. To meet these goals, Getman maintains an internal culture where employees are focused on supporting their customers and each another.

“I have been here almost seven years and, over the course of that time, I was able to start out on the floor as an entry-level welder and work my way up into the manager position I’m in now, thanks to the support of multiple leaders,” Saxman says. “Now as a leader in the organization, it’s my goal to create an environment that is welcoming and where people feel valued and appreciated.”

As a result of this passion and dedication to keeping miners safe, Getman’s A64 HD Water Cannon provides miners around the world with the security and peace of mind they need.

The Michigan Manufactured Export of the Year award is part of the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards which celebrates the leaders and products that are pushing the industry forward. Learn more about the awards program and gala.

The 2023 Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement award was sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Visit online: michiganbusiness.org/.