Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr
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COMPANY PROFILE-PAID ADVERTISEMENT Derrick® Corporation Derrick is considered the world leader in the design and manufac- ture of high frequency vibrating machines and screen surfaces used to screen a wide variety of wet or dry fine materials in the range of 3/8 inch to 400 mesh (10 mm to 38 microns). When Derrick Corporation began operations in 1951, few if any could have predicted the firm's exponential growth over the ensuing 60 years. While in its infancy, Derrick facilities comprised just 3,600 square feet at 590 Duke Road. But Derrick's inexorable growth led to a gradual increase to 200,000 square feet. Today, as a major new 138,000 square foot addition of manufacturing space has just been completed, the company will occupy 338,000 square feet, an increase of nearly 70% ! But the seed for Derrick's extraordi- nary growth was planted well before the company even began. Humble Beginnings It was in 1947 that William L. Wettlaufer teamed up with H. William Derrick Jr. to develop a high speed vibrator to shake test- ing sieves. Observation of the rapid separation of particles through various sieve sizes and the unusual behavior of particles when sub- jected to high frequency vibration spawned the idea for larger com- mercial designs. This experience led to Bill Derrick's decision to develop and market his idea for a high speed screen vibrator. Thus began Derrick Manufacturing Company, a proprietorship formed in 1951. Initially in small quarters owned by another company, Derrick Manufacturing later relocated to 590 Duke Road in 1955. But while its facilities and staff have grown, the corporate culture and commitment to its customers have remained consistent. Commitment to Quality Committed to integrated manufacturing, Derrick is dedicated to the complete in-house manufacture of every piece of equipment. From a full range of vibratory motors to metal fabrication, prepa- ration, and finishing, each machine is designed and assembled in Derrick's manufacturing facilities. Absolute control of quality, inventories, and delivery are assured by this fully integrated approach to manufacturing. Throughout its history, Derrick has been heavily committed to product development. Today, the com- pany holds 44 U.S. and 35 foreign patents, with 39 active in the United States and 34 active internationally. Continuous Development and Growth Development of high G force electric induction Super G® vibrator motors has helped propel Derrick's meteoric rise in fine screening. The Derrick Stack Sizer® is the highest capacity and most efficient fine sizing wet screening machine available. Derrick urethane 76 E&MJ; • JUNE 2012 www.e-mj.com screen panels have revolutionized particle separation technology in the mining industry, where they are used for a wide variety of wet and dry applications. The development of non-blinding urethane screen panels has permitted the screening of materials previously considered difficult or impossible to screen. These fine mesh (as fine as 53 microns) high-open-area, non-blinding screens last 10 to 15 times longer than conventional woven wire panels. Today, Derrick Corporation has about 700 employees. Nearly 25% have been with the company 20 years or more. "People are our key to success without question," says Mitch Derrick, presi- dent of the company's Houston division. "The relatively flat organ- ization coupled with our open-door policy provides a unique envi- ronment where employees corporate-wide play a crucial role in shaping the company's future." To fulfill both present and projected marketplace needs, Derrick launched an ambitious project in 2010 to increase capac- ity to better position Derrick for serving a growing client base in both the oil field and industrial markets. Derrick's previous facili- ty enlargement was completed about 30 years ago. Steve Valine, president of the Separation Technology Group (STG) points out that, "In 2011, sales doubled over the preceding year. Since 2005, sales have increased four fold! And this growth is expected to continue." A paradigm shift away from hydrocyclones to screens in grinding circuits is driving the increased demand for the Derrick Stack Sizer. Steve says that "We've barely scratched the surface!" This demand has led to extended lead times for delivery of the Stack Sizer, which is responsible for well over half of STG sales. Increasing Derrick's production capacity was the obvious solution to reducing the lead time. "We are gearing up to support the mar- ket," says Steve. "Increased automation is reducing costs and helping reduce outsourcing." At the beginning of the 21st centu- ry, the rapidly growing economies of China, India, Russia and Brazil are fueling Derrick's impressive growth in both the oil field and industrial market segments. While many competitors offer equipment for many applications, Derrick specializes in a niche market—fine screening innovation. Focusing on delivering cost-effective, engineered solutions has driv- en the innovation and new product development that have caused Derrick to flourish throughout its history. The company's unmatched expertise in mechanical separation and immense passion for cus- tomer satisfaction have fueled tremendous success and growth. And they continue to propel its expansion in the 21st century!