Author: Jari Silver

FNQ Drilling boosts efficiency with the H Series hammer

Posted on by Jari Silver

Far North Queensland (FNQ) is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia. Despite being the region with the most annual rainfall in the country, FNQ is facing water supply challenges. Particularly along the coast, the area’s capacity to store water for urban use is limited, which may hinder future growth. Some parts of FNQ have even seen water outages in recent years. As a result, water well drilling has proven to be a vital service for households, industries, and farms in many parts of FNQ.

One of the leading companies providing water well drilling services, as well as bore drilling and utility drilling, in the region is FNQ Drilling, a family-owned business headquartered in Bamboo. Their water well drilling service includes site evaluation, well construction, and pump installation.

In a competitive industry such as well drilling, companies must find ways to improve efficiency or reduce costs to maintain a competitive edge. Shane Naude, the owner of FNQ Drilling, switched to Robit drilling tools a few years ago.

“I was using a hammer that kept breaking barrels and shanking bits without resolution. So I asked around other water well drillers and was told to try Robit. I started using Robit in early 2023 with a D45 DHD340 hammer, a D65W HD QL60 hammer, and bits to suit,” Shane reminisces.

In September 2024, Shane got an opportunity to test and validate the performance and reliability of Robit’s new 6″ H Series hammer in water well drilling. The H Series hammer line was more widely introduced to the Australian market at the DRILL24 trade fair in Perth the following month.

A key selling point of the H Series is its modular design, allowing it to adapt to varying practical needs in the field.

“I do water well drilling in and around all FNQ for domestic, rural, and commercial clients. Ground conditions vary greatly, including shale, basalt, granite, marble, clay, and schist. So, a lot of variation in the hammer performance is needed to suit the ground,” Shane explains.

Shane’s business depends heavily on the quality of his tools. “A reliable hammer is key to my success. More drilling and less downtime due to the product not performing to specifications cost my business money and clients. Due to the remote locations I have clients at, such as stations, I require reliable and suitable products to complete my work.”

“Before switching to Robit, I had many issues with failures, e.g., a simple hammer spring continually failing and causing downtime, costing my Company money and time, and a potential loss of reputation to my business,” Shane says.

After months of validation trials, Shane’s experiences with the new Robit H Series hammer are overwhelmingly positive.

“The trial hammer has drilled approximately 500m of water bore drilling only. All components, including the hammer barrel, piston, top sub, and threads, wear better than those of competitor products previously used.”

“I’m achieving more drilled metres per day. The penetration of the hammer is powerful and punchy, which decreases the time needed to drill a hole. I have also noticed a reduction in my fuel consumption,” Shane says.

In product development, Robit has consistently relied heavily on direct customer experiences and collaboration. The H Series hammer is no exception. Throughout the trials, Shane has discussed with Robit and provided valuable feedback to further improve the hammer’s performance, always with an eye toward that competitive edge.

Mikko Kuusilehto leads Robit into its fifth decade

Posted on by Jari Silver

Mikko Kuusilehto will take up the role of CEO at Robit in August 2025. With an impressive track record of leading industrial companies throughout the 21st century, he brings a wealth of experience to the position. How does Robit’s new leader view the future?

You’ve held leadership roles in several industrial companies. What brought you to Robit?
I’ve had the opportunity to work with companies that’ve been in business for decades, some for over a century. They’ve all been strong industrial players, and the common thread has been a robust culture and outstanding individuals who have made success possible in both good times and challenging ones.

Robit appealed to me because it’s a technically capable, international company with a clear role as a supplier to critical sectors. There’s also a healthy ambition here, a desire to grow and improve profitability. That’s a combination where I feel I can genuinely contribute.

At the heart of Robit is durable, high-performance technology and a focus on serving demanding industries. I’ve worked with similar challenges before. It felt like an opportunity to help shape the next chapter of growth for a company that has both a proven track record and a strong appetite for continued evolution.

What’s your impression of Robit’s company culture so far?
I’ve already had the chance to meet a large number of people across the organisation. My first impression has been overwhelmingly positive. There’s a strong sense of drive here, a wealth of expertise and a desire to solve problems for customers. You can see that in the committed approach people take to their work.

The international nature of the company adds richness, but it also underscores the importance of a shared culture and working methods. I believe great culture doesn’t happen by accident – it’s something we build together, deliberately.

Do you have any ideas for further developing that culture?
The key is to create a shared rhythm and clarity about what we’re trying to achieve and how we track progress. Clarity and rhythm free up time, energy and creativity. When people understand the goals and know where we’re headed, they’re empowered to make decisions and learn quickly. Data and teamwork play a big role.

Another focus area is communication, both internally and with customers. A strong culture includes the freedom to ask questions, share ideas, challenge the status quo and succeed together.

How would you describe your leadership philosophy?
I see leadership first and foremost as a responsibility to enable others to succeed. I aim to be present, listen actively and offer clear direction.

People need to know what we’re working toward and why we’re doing it. I value direct communication, trust and collaboration across teams. Ultimately, we’re measured by our results, so leadership also means being prepared to make decisions and take responsibility.

I want people to feel they have a clear direction, the ability to make an impact, and a sense that their contribution matters. Leadership is about striking a balance between listening and the courage to make decisions – both are necessary to move forward.

There’s a lot of turbulence in global politics and trade now. Does that affect a company like Robit and the way it’s managed?
Absolutely. We need to operate globally while understanding local conditions. Tariffs, logistics, exchange rates and geopolitical risks are part of daily life, and they can have a big impact.

From a leadership perspective, this means having options, being prepared to react, and being able to assess risks quickly. At the same time, you need long-term consistency – strategy can’t swing with every headline. That’s why we need to maintain a stable strategy while remaining flexible in execution.

How do you view Robit’s position and image in the global market?
Robit has a strong technical reputation, and customers value its expertise, flexibility and ability to deliver quality. The brand has a no-nonsense character that suits the environments where our products are used.

Robit is a respected name in the market. Still, I believe we have the potential to become an even stronger international presence, especially if we can consistently deliver a great customer experience and provide clear value to end-users.

Customers must see Robit as a daily partner, not just a supplier of products. That’s how you build differentiation and loyalty that lasts through the toughest market cycles.

Robit already has a strategy in place for the near future. Do you have personal goals you’d like to pursue within that framework?
The current strategy has many strengths, and it’s easy to commit to. What matters now is putting it into action.

I hope we can build Robit into a company that combines strong technical know-how with a sharp commercial edge and a culture where people can grow and succeed together. If we succeed in that, I believe customer and shareholder value will follow.

Everyone needs to have a place in the story and understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture. We also aim to improve the customer experience and explore new ways to grow, both in existing and new markets.

I believe the future doesn’t just happen to us – we shape it ourselves. Our direction is defined by the choices we make, the actions we take and how we work together.

Rebuilding Rönnskär

Posted on by Jari Silver

Foundation work under harsh conditions

In the early hours of June 13, 2023, the small coastal town of Skelleftehamn in northern Sweden was shaken awake by sirens and smoke. A fire had broken out at Boliden’s Rönnskär smelter – Sweden’s only facility for producing base metals and recycling electronic scrap. The electrolysis plant, at the heart of the operation, was devastated. Production halted. Hundreds of jobs were at stake.

Boliden acted quickly. Within months, the company announced a SEK 4.8 billion investment to rebuild the electrolysis facility on the same site, with the goal of making it operational again by 2026. NCC, one of the leading construction companies in the Nordics, was selected as the main contractor, and Hercules, a specialist in foundation engineering and part of the NCC Group, was assigned to handle one of the most critical and complex aspects of the rebuild: the ground foundation work.

That challenge was far from straightforward. The ground beneath the plant was filled with construction debris dating back to the mid-20th century, and it was heavily contaminated with lead, cadmium, arsenic, and copper slag.

This required special protective measures for the structures and the individuals performing the work. The steel piles had to be corrosion-protected using six-metre-long casing pipes, ensuring durability in the toxic soil. Meanwhile, site crews operated under strict safety protocols, requiring a higher-than-normal level of personal protective equipment throughout the piling phase. Add to that a massive scale: nearly 3,000 piles were drilled, totaling 90,000 meters, under a highly compressed timeline.

For this demanding job, Hercules relied on Robit, their long-time partner.

First, Robit’s DTH Prime ring bits were used to drill 323 mm protective casings to prevent the pipe piles from corrosion in the contaminated soil. 168 mm piles were then drilled through the protective casings. Robit’s pilot bits, also from the DTH Prime range, played a central role in the process.

“Hercules Site Managers Robert Kangasmaa and Jonas Hedlund have reported that the tools performed extremely well in the challenging conditions. Hercules, our long-standing customer, was very satisfied with their performance,” says Ville Pohja, VP Geotechnical at Robit.

While Robit and Hercules have collaborated on numerous projects over the years, this was by far their largest effort to date.

“In piling, a large project typically involves a few hundred piles – this one had almost 3,000. We were proud to be able to supply such a large number of ring bits on short notice and at a rapid pace,” Pohja adds.

The piling phase, which ran from May to December 2024, was executed with precision and speed. Double-shift drilling operations ran for up to 19 hours daily, with more than 70 people involved at the project’s peak.

With the foundation work now completed, the new electrolysis plant is rising – a symbol of resilience and renewal. Once operational in 2026, it will not only restore vital production capacity for Boliden but also bring new employment opportunities and long-term benefits to the Skelleftehamn region.

From factory floor to managing director

Posted on by Jari Silver

Mick Wagstaff’s remarkable 40-year journey

In 1984, Mick Wagstaff was a young lad of 19 years who, quite by chance, got his first full-time job as a labourer at a company called Bulroc that made DTH hammers in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England. In 2024, he still works for the same company; only now it’s called Robit GB, and he’s the Managing Director – an exceptional achievement in today’s job market.

1984 seems like a totally different world now. How did a young Mick see the world around him back then?
“At 19, I was young, free, and single with money in my pocket. It was an era of good music, and you got a lot for your money – 30p a pint of beer!”

Mick soon proved worth his salt, moving from labourer to hammer building, and soon he was asked to set up and run the cost department. Several years later, after a brief stint back on the factory floor as Foreman, he was promoted to Production Manager.

Were you ever tempted to look for a job elsewhere?
“An offer came up once to become the landlord of my local pub, but after much consideration and due to having a young family at the time, I felt it wasn’t the right environment for family life, and the risk was too big to take. The drilling industry gets into your bones, and like a great wine, it’s hard to let go.”

What would be some of the highlights of your 40 years at work?
“Just to mention a few, the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures like Hong Kong, which at that time was our biggest market. I visited Europe, participating in exhibitions, and, of course, visited Finland both as a supplier and employee. In 2012, the game changer for Bulroc was the move from a small 15,000 sq/ft factory to our present 55,000 sq/ft factory, which allowed us to grow as a business. Along my journey, I have made great work colleagues and some becoming personal friends.”

Eight years ago, Robit acquired Bulroc. How was the transition – was it hard to give up an old, revered name?
“To be honest, the takeover was business as usual. Giving up the name wasn’t particularly hard, more strange than anything, and it took a while to stop answering the phone saying, “Good morning/afternoon, Bulroc.” Even now, sometimes Bulroc accidentally slips into conversations.”

It’s 2025 now, and you’re the Managing Director. Do you still have work-related ambitions or goals?
“My ambition is to make Robit GB the best it can be. As a manufacturing arm of Robit, I want to make sure we provide quality products, are profitable, and work hard toward the company’s strategy and values.”

RG45 & RG51 rods set new standards for Top Hammer

Posted on by Jari Silver

Robit’s product development has long focused on the final part of the drill string: the drill bit. Recent years have seen major innovations in hammers as well. The latest breakthrough is for the middle of the drill string: the RG45 and RG51 drill rod for Top Hammer applications.

The part of the rod most susceptible to impact wear is the thread. The RG45 & RG51 rod threads feature shoulders that take the impact energy; the threading only transmits rotation, making the rod significantly stiffer and more durable than standard ones. This improves wear resistance, penetration rate, and even hole straightness, says Robit’s Sales Manager Santeri Sillanaukee.

“A shoulder-driven rod is not a new invention in itself; it has primarily been used in underground drilling and larger equipment before, but in open pits in the Nordics, the method is new,” Santeri explains.

“Compared to the competition, the RG45 & RG51 are much easier to use. They are fully compatible with standard C45/T45 or C51/T51 shank adapters and drill rods. This means that installing the RG45 & RG51 are extremely straightforward and does not require any modifications to the drill rig,” Santeri says.

PEAB, the largest Nordic construction company, runs several open-pit quarries in Finland as part of its aggregate business. PEAB has tested the RG51 rod at its quarries for several years, and the results are compelling. Drill strings equipped with the RG51 rod have significantly better durability than the competition. The penetration rate and hole straightness have also clearly improved. PEAB has almost entirely switched to RG51 rods for Top Hammer drilling in Finland.

Since the early test phases, PEAB driller Tapani Kalmukoski has gained firsthand experience with the RG51 rod in extraction blasting at various crushing sites.

“Rod breakages have decreased a lot. The RG51 is much more durable than a standard rod. Breakage at the thread is very rare. Wear resistance is also excellent. We achieve at least one-third more drill meters than a standard rod and even up to 50% more in difficult conditions. Everyone at PEAB is satisfied with the RG51,” Tapani says.

The RG45 and RG51 rods were developed in Finland under the leadership of R&D & Top Hammer Specialist Daniel Kujanen. The rods are manufactured at the South Korean factory, and demand is growing steadily. “Currently, the next batch is already pre-sold,” says Santeri Sillanaukee.

Sotreq looking to grow with Robit in Brazil

Posted on by Jari Silver

The mineral sector is a crucial part of Brazil’s economy, contributing significantly to its GDP, almost 4%, as well as exports and employment. According to the latest Brazilian Mineral Yearbook, production exceeds BRL 350 billion (about € 55 billion) per year.

A major player in this field, Sotreq has become the exclusive distributor of Robit products in the Brazilian market. Their Robit product portfolio includes hammers, shank adaptors, couplings, rods, and bits for Top Hammer, DTH, and geotechnics solutions.

According to Rafael Puga, Corporate Market Development Consultant at Sotreq, the company joined forces with Robit because the partnership allows them to maintain service standards comparable to market leaders, going beyond the mere sale of products to make a difference.

Service options for varying needs
Sotreq offers two service options for customers with Robit products: off-the-shelf direct purchase or annual contract. The latter is ideal for ensuring high productivity and continuous operations, and it comes in two versions: Basic and Full.

In the Basic package, the customer purchases parts and technical support from Sotreq, which offers a dedicated price list for imported goods. Once imported, Sotreq keeps the goods available, allowing monthly purchases as needed. Sotreq guarantees a continuous supply of consumables, with a tool technician and a manager responsible for the stock.

In the Full package, the customer is charged per drilled meter. A specialized team is assigned to serve the customer and ensure operational efficiency. A unique feature of this package is that Sotreq monitors the entire operation, ensuring its correct execution and bringing cost savings. Sotreq also provides training to ensure optimal drilling results, regardless of the equipment used.

Always on the lookout for growth opportunities in Brazil, Sotreq has identified underground mining as one of the most promising sectors in this respect. Their partnership with Robit, now in its second year, has already proven a strategically wise step.

Picture taken at Robit 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner: from left James Kwack and Martin Rodriguez from Robit & Rafael Puga and Eduardo Coli from Sotreq

WINTER 2024-2025 – HILLA’S TRAINING DIARY

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A corporate supporter of sports, Robit signed a sponsorship and cooperation agreement in 2021 with Hilla Niemelä, one of the most promising young skiers in Finland. Hilla has been keeping a training diary for our readers; here is episode seven.

The first year on the national A-team is now behind me. It was a season full of lessons, both in training and competition. Making the jump to the A-team was incredibly motivating, and I got to train alongside skiers stronger than me. I was excited about the training season, and it went very well. As winter approached, I felt great physically and confident mentally.

The first races of the season got off to a promising start. But getting sick threw a wrench in my plans, and I had to take my time to recover and rebuild.

Overall, the competition season wasn’t what I had hoped for. I narrowly missed making the World Championship team for Trondheim, which was a huge disappointment. My expectations were high, and while my skiing wasn’t exactly bad, I had set much bigger goals for the year. I still believe I was in the best shape I’ve ever been, but that didn’t directly translate into results.

Mid-winter brought a long break from racing (there just weren’t any), so I had time to train well at home. The ski tracks in Tampere were in great condition, and after all the setbacks, it felt good to be home, focusing on training.

The end of the season went pretty well. Two highlights stand out: the team sprint at the Lahti World Cup and placing fifth in the Finnish Nationals in Taivalkoski, just three seconds off the podium. All in all, my performance level stayed steady, and my baseline clearly improved. Even on off days, I was able to perform decently, which is important for your mental game as well. That said, I’m still hungry for more in the seasons to come.

The Olympic season is now officially underway. In May, the main focus is prepping my body for summer training, where stringing together good days, weeks, and months really matters. Our first A-team camp was in mid-May in Vuokatti, and we’re heading back there again the week after Midsummer. There’s an excellent spirit in the team right now. We’re pushing each other forward in a season where everyone’s ultimate goal is, of course, the Milan–Cortina Olympics in February. That’s where we’re headed, focused, but not forcing it.

Cheers,
Hilla

ROBIT PLC’S ANNUAL REPORT 2024 PUBLISHED

Posted on by Jari Silver

Robit Plc’s Annual Report, Corporate Governance Statement and Remuneration Report for the year 2024 have today been published in Finnish and English on the company’s website at  https://www.robitgroup.com/investor/financial-information/.

The Annual Report contains Report of the Board of Directors and the Financial Statements 2024. The Financial Statements includes Consolidated Financial Statements, Robit Plc’s Parent Company’s Statements, and the Auditor’s Report.

Read the report: Annual-Report-2024.pdf (robitgroup.com)

Robit® Mbit Series – MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY THROUGHOUT YOUR D&B OPERATIONS

Posted on by Jari Silver

The innovative Robit® Mbit – Male Bit button bit series delivers significantly enhanced drilling performance compared to traditional bit designs. As a major advancement in the industry over the past decade, it expands the product range to meet diverse needs.

The innovation of the century – we redesigned the rock drill bit to Male Bit and tackled all the challenges of the traditional Top Hammer drilling

Download the brochure and find out more: Robit® Mbit 3/2025

Robit 40 Years – 4 decades of breaking new ground

Posted on by Jari Silver

In July 1985, the Finnish Trade Register recorded a new company called Robit in its books. It was founded by Vesa and Jorma Järvelä – brothers whose vision was to develop the market’s best button bit for rock drilling. The company gradually took off, growing internationally, and continues to expand to this day. Robit will soon celebrate its 40th anniversary. On these pages, we share a few highlights from the past years.

Growth in every decade
Robit set its sights on export markets very early on. Rapid sales growth supported expansion, and by the 2010s, the company sought new products and larger market shares through bold acquisitions in addition to organic growth.

  • 1987: First export market: Sweden
  • 1992: Ten export countries: all continents covered except the Far East
  • 2002: One hundred sales representatives worldwide
  • 2007: Revenue exceeds €10 million
  • 2011: First acquisition: Top Hammer rod and shank manufacturer Young Poong (South Korea)
  • 2012: One hundred export countries
  • 2015: Listed on Nasdaq First North
  • 2016: Major acquisitions into the Down the Hole (DTH) market: Drilling Tools Australia and Bulroc (UK)
  • 2017: Listed on Nasdaq Helsinki main market
  • 2018: The industry’s most modern factory opens in Korea
  • 2021: Revenue exceeds €100 million
The new ultra-modern production facility in Hwaseong, Korea was opened in 2018.

 

Nam Kyung-Pil, Governor of Gyeonggi-Do and Chairman Harri Sjöholm: the signing ceremony of Robit's major production 
investment in the Foreign Investment area in Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea, Sept. 15, 2017.

Key to Success: Distributor Collaboration
Close collaboration with local distributors has been central to Robit’s international expansion. This successful strategy differs from global competitors. It was introduced by Harri Sjöholm, who joined Robit in 1988 and is still the company’s Vice Chairman of the Board and a major owner.

  • 1988: First distributor agreement abroad: Minroc (Germany)
  • 1990: First Distributor Days: a dozen participants
  • 1990s: Market-driven product development with dealers and end-customers: competitive, customizable products
  • 2000s: Customer-focused production planning: consumption forecasted carefully, ensuring quick delivery
  • 2010s: Solid new distributor network: Robit now a comprehensive supplier of TH bits, rods, and shanks
  • 2020s: Specialized DTH and GEO segment distributors introduced
  • 2024: Distributor Days: 95 participants from 21 countries

In 1988, Andreas Stelke (right) of Minroc, West Germany, and Harri Sjöholm (second from left) signed Robit's first foreign distributor deal.
Old friends Andreas (right) and Harri in Tampere in  December 2024.

Leading the Way in Innovation
Since its inception, continuous product development and improving production methods have been at Robit’s core. Guided by customer and distributor needs, Robit has introduced the most high-performing products and technological innovations in its field. For a challenger in the market, this has been essential for success.

  • 1989: Robit HiTech button bit product family
  • 1996: Long-body retrac bit: straighter blasting holes
  • 2000: First Top Hammer product series for forepoling
  • 2005: First fully robotic, unmanned production cell in Lempäälä
  • 2005: RoX product range for ground drilling, based on Robit’s patented locking technology
  • 2010: Hard Top Green (HTG) bit series made from recycled steel
  • 2013: Durable Robit® DTH Prime casing systems series for demanding piling conditions
  • 2016: Robit® 33” Hyper – most powerful Down the Hole hammer in the market
  • 2020: Rbit drill bits: optimized button placement, improved penetration
  • 2020: Reliable Robit® DTH bit series for deep well drilling projects
  • 2023: H Series DTH hammer: superior fuel efficiency per drilled meter
  • 2024: Robit Male-Bit concept for Top Hammer (patent pending)
H Series – the lowest total drilling cost: Up to 25% lower fuel consumption, Best-in-class performance and Unbeatable for all conditions

Robit’s distributors and staff at the MEGA Dealer Meeting 3.0 in United Kindom in September 2017.

ROBIT ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF H18 DTH HAMMER

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We are excited to announce the launch of our latest line of innovative drilling products. Robit® H18 is a new member of the revolutionary H-series Down the Hole hammer family – following the same principles as we have seen in previous H series product launches. This means modularity combined with unmatched performance.

Key features of the Robit® H18 hammer:

  • Up to 25% increase in power output
  • Up to 25% lower air consumption
  • Footvalved (attached) and footvalvess (to be launched later) design both available
  • Ability to tune the hammer for smaller air package

Robit® H18 is an 18” DTH hammer replacing the well-known Robit® Hyper 181 series which has been for decades the trailblazer in large DTH hammers around the world.

We are thrilled to introduce these new products to the market. Our team has worked tirelessly to develop solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. We believe these products will set a new standard in the industry. The H18 products will be available for purchase starting February 1st, 2025.

Download the brochure: Robit® DTH Hammer H18 FV – 1-2025

LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR THE TAMPERE TRAM

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The city of Tampere is extending its tram routes to the western suburbs. Infrastructure construction and maintenance in this alliance project are provided by YIT. They have used a variety of foundation engineering methods to ensure solid results.

Tramway Section 1 (TAS 1) was implemented in six segments from 2017 to 2021. The first section included tram tracks and stops from Pyynikintori eastwards to Hervantajärvi and from the University Hospital to Sori Square. Service on the first section began in August 2023.

Tramway Section 2 (TAS 2) includes the section from Pyynikintori to Lentävänniemi in the west. Construction of the last part, Santalahti–Lentävänniemi, began in spring 2022. If all goes to plan, tram service to Lentävänniemi could begin at the start of 2025.

The total length of the Tampere tram network for sections 1 and 2 is approximately 24 kilometers. The planning phase for tramway section 3 is currently underway, with the city council expected to decide on its implementation by the end of 2024.

A wide variety of tasks
YIT’s role in the project has included foundation work, sewerage, cabling, bridges, retaining walls, rail installations, paving, roundabouts, sidewalks, 24 tram stops, and more. Due to the significant elevation differences along the route, 20 retaining walls were constructed. Nine new bridges were also built, including a 18-meter-high railway bridge, and the 250-meter Vacker Bridge.

YIT also constructed a modularly designed depot in Hervanta. Before its construction, 250,000 m3 of rock was excavated, some of which were used for the depot’s site embankments. The remaining quarried rock was used as aggregate elsewhere in the project.

Foundation work is key
The foundation work included varying types of ground reinforcement as well as the lower structure of the tram tracks.“We’ve made reinforcements for all sorts of foundations: clay, hard rock, several meters of peat, etc. We’ve done multiple kilometers of piling, especially for bridges, where we used piled slabs. Also, various retaining walls, mass replacements, lightweight fills, and preload embankments,” says Veetu Helkiö from YIT Infra, who worked as a supervisor for TAS 1 and a site engineer for TAS 2.

YIT has mainly used their own equipment in the foundation work. “We’ve used both drilled and driven piles extensively for reinforcements, with Robit supplying reamers for the piles and bits for drilling. Most reamers went directly to the pile supplier, which sped up the process. Some were also welded on-site. We had a good supply of drill bits the whole time, and Robit’s deliveries were timely, despite the global challenges with material flows. Domestic production is an asset, as was the short distance from Robit’s Lempäälä facilities to the tram construction site, which means deliveries were really quick from Robit’s warehouse,” Helkiö praises.

The foundation work for TAS 2 was completed late last year. “The project went well overall, and we met our schedules despite challenging times. This was a unique and interesting project, integrating many different work phases,” says Helkiö.

Robit DTH SR pilots and ring bits were widely used by YIT in the foundation works on the tramway project.

TEST RESULTS CONVINCED BRAUTESETH TO CHOOSE ROBIT

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Phalaborwa is a vast mining complex located next to the mighty Kruger National Park in the northeast corner of South Africa. It is host to several valuable minerals such as copper, phosphate, zirconium, iron, and vermiculite.

One of the entities within the Phalaborwa complex is the Foskor open-pit phosphate rock mine. Phosphate is a critical mineral in fertilizers. Before the foundation of the Foskor mine in the 1950s, South African agriculture depended on imported phosphate rock. Today, largely thanks to Foskor’s success, South Africa exports phosphate fertilizers worldwide.

Drilling and blasting at the Foskor mine in Phalaborwa is operated by Brauteseth Blasting, a family business founded in 1983 in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province of South Africa. The company started as a small-scale civil blasting company catering to KZN’s construction industry. In forty years, it has grown into a major national player, contracting to more than 20 quarries, five large-scale mining operations, and several construction sites.

Brauteseth has built its success on two cornerstones: a highly skilled, motivated staff and continuous investment in top-of-the-range technology and equipment. This focus on quality tools extends to consumable parts as well.

Brauteseth Blasting operates eight drill rigs at the Foskor mine. As their consignment agreement with their then-supplier of DTH hammers and drill bits was ending in late 2023, Robit SA approached Brauteseth, requesting a performance test of Robit’s and the then-current supplier’s DTH tools.

The extensive testing period started in October 2023 and was completed in February 2024. Robit’s tools included the D65 QL60 3½” API REG blast-hole hammer and 165 mm QL60 Flat Face blast-hole bits.

“The test results were clear: Robit’s tools outperformed the competition in terms of penetration rate and cost-per-meter”, says Duane Kukard, Area Sales Manager at Robit SA.

Convinced by the tests, Brauteseth Blasting signed a consignment agreement to supply their drill rigs at the Foskor mine with Robit’s DTH 6″ equipment.

Since May 2024, all eight of Brauteseth’s rigs in Phalaborwa have been drilling blast holes with Robit’s tools – now with increased efficiency and profitability.

BUILDING A STRONGER OREGON CAPITOL

Posted on by Jari Silver

Last year saw a massive geotechnical operation at the Oregon State Capitol: the entire building had to be jacked up off the ground. Robit’s micropile casing systems played an important part in the process.

The Oregon State Capitol building has faced many misfortunes throughout its history. The first capitol burned down in 1855 – only a few months after its inauguration. The second capitol met the same fate in 1935.

However, fire is not the only force of nature that has put the state capitol in peril. Large parts of Oregon, including the capital city of Salem, sit on a tectonically active fault line called the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

In March 1993, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake – the largest in the Pacific Northwest in over a decade – cracked the cupola of the Capitol and created a massive bulge on its west end. Parts of the building remained closed for repairs for almost two years.

Over the following decades, the State of Oregon conducted several studies to determine how best to protect the historic building from further seismic events. After investigating various options, the review committee decided on seismic isolation. In other words, the foundation of the building would rest on so-called pendulum isolators and a seismic joint that allows the entire complex to move independently in any direction from the surrounding ground during an earthquake.

This would be no small task; it meant that the Capitol building would have to be lifted off the ground. This would be achieved by constructing a shoring tower structure on which the building would rest while the new isolation system was being built. As the Capitol had needed extra space for years, it was also decided that an additional basement level would be constructed.

The main contractorship for the geotechnical work was awarded to Pacific Foundation, a family business based in Vancouver, WA. The company started as a smallscale drilling operation in 2012; since then, it has grown into a large contractor capable of tackling complex geotechnical challenges.

Regarding challenges, the Oregon State Capitol project was far from a typical scenario where, slightly simplified, you arrive at the job site, drill the piles into the ground – and that’s it. Here, the first challenge was to gain access underneath the Capitol and excavate enough space for the drill rigs to fit in. This phase started in late 2022.

The work continued throughout 2023 and entailed drilling micropiles into the ground across the entire footprint of the building. At best, seven drill rigs worked simultaneously in narrow spaces with only a few inches of clearance above. Two-thirds of the micropiles were Robit casing systems, while one-third, the outside piles, were double rotary systems. The micropiles supported a total of 175 shoring towers upon which the jacked-up building would sit until the work was completed. The tower construction and the jacking operation were performed by trusted partners.

By Christmas 2023, the micropiles, totaling as many as 722, were installed. By late January 2024, the building was resting on the shoring tower structure, paving the way for the seismic isolation system and reconstruction efforts.

For Pacific Foundation, mission success has probably never been more critical. The project required massive amounts of structural engineering and careful planning and coordination by all participating parties to stay on schedule and maintain safety – not to mention that while the work was in progress, the state legislature was in session just a few feet above.

The construction work at the Capitol will continue into 2025. Once finished, the historic marble building should finally be able to stand firm against any future seismic events.

Shoring towers stretching across the entire footprint of the Capitol building.

Robit® Extreme Carbide

Posted on by Jari Silver

Enhanced wear properties in hard and abrasive rock conditions

Increase your drilling productivity with Robit Extreme Carbide.

  • Increase the bit lifetime!
  • Improve the rate of penetration!
  • Extend the grinding interval!

Robit® Extreme Carbides have been designed to provide the best performance and lifetime in hard and abrasive rock conditions. Extreme Carbide has hard outer layer and an optimized core with improved resistance to breakages.

  • Increased bit lifetime up to 30% in hard and abrasive rock conditions
  • Carbides will stay sharper for longer time providing efficient drilling performance
    • Faster rate of penetration (ROP)
    • Less grinding needed especially at the start of the bit lifetime
    • Sharper bit will save your drill string => less recoil energy to rods and shanks

Robit recommends to regrind the Extreme carbides for optimal drilling performance.

Proven performance of the Extreme Carbide

Robit® Extreme Carbide Rbit™ Selection

Download the brochure:

Robit® H Series DTH Hammers

Posted on by Jari Silver

Robit has developed a completely new, modular H series hammer family for DTH drilling.

The H series hammer range currently consists of four different sizes: 4, 5, 6, and 8 inches. Thanks to its unique modular structure, with just a few part changes, customers can get 12 different variations to meet their specific needs. DHD versions are primarily intended for construction and well drilling, while QL versions are thicker in their outer casing, designed as Heavy Duty hammers suitable for quarrying and production use. Released hammers use either drill bits with foot valves or tubeless versions, allowing the use of drill bits without foot valves in challenging drilling conditions.

H series benefits:

  • Up to 25% lower fuel consumption
  • Best in class performance
  • Unbeatable for all conditions

Released models – download the brochure:

The assemblies vary between Maximum Performance (MX) and High Efficiency (HF), as well as Foot Valved (FV) and Tubeless (TL) versions of the same Heavy Duty (HD) or Slim Line (SL) hammer. The Maximum Performance assembly offers a high blow energy obtained by high air volume, resulting in a fast penetration rate, and is suitable for deep-hole drilling. The High Efficiency assembly operates on a lower air volume, providing lower blow energy but a higher frequency, keeping the hammer energy efficient, and is ideal for softer or varying ground conditions.

Maintenance manuals: Manuals

Video: Robit® H Series assembly video

Do you want know more about our products?

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ROBIT PLC’S ANNUAL REPORT 2023 PUBLISHED

Posted on by Jari Silver

Robit Plc’s Annual Report, Corporate Governance Statement and Remuneration Report for the year 2023 have today been published in Finnish and English on the company’s website at  https://www.robitgroup.com/investor/financial-information/.

The Annual Report contains Report of the Board of Directors and the Financial Statements 2023. The Financial Statements includes Consolidated Financial Statements, Robit Plc’s Parent Company’s Statements, and the Auditor’s Report.

Robit Plc’s updated Remuneration Policy has also been published today on the aforementioned website.

Read the report: Annual-Report-2023.pdf (robitgroup.com)