Dear Shairzal Customers,

I am very pleased to officially announce today that MineARC Systems and Shairzal Safety Engineering Pty Ltd are now effectively operating as one business.

Negotiations over the past month between the two companies have resulted in MineARC officially taking over Shairzal’s manufacturing, servicing and sales commitments to all its past and present customers.

This acquisition unites two market leaders: MineARC – the world’s leading manufacturer of emergency safe-refuge, and Shairzal - a leading supplier of safety engineering solutions to mine operations, with a considerable customer base in the eastern states of Australia.

Together, we are uniquely positioned to provide the most comprehensive product offering available on the market. The resulting portfolio will include emergency refuge solutions for the hard rock, coal, tunnelling and the petrochemical industries.

During the next two days our General Manager, Mike Lincoln and Australasian Sales Manager Glenn Heldberg will call you personally to discuss any queries you may have.

In the meantime, you may find the list below answers some of these potential queries for you. If not, please don’t hesitate to contact me personally.

On behalf of both MineARC and Shairzal, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for your support. We take great pride in both our reputations as companies highly regarded and trusted within the industry. This will not change. And we will continue to work hard to earn your business, your loyalty and your trust.

Yours Sincerely,

Geoff Whitaker
Managing Director, MineARC Systems

What does this mean for you as a current Shairzal customer? - FAQs

Who is now my first ‘port of call’ regarding my Shairzal refuge chambers?
MineARC Systems are now on hand and ready to deal with any enquiry you may have, from our Head Office in Perth: (Tel: (08) 9333 4966 | info@minearc.com.au | www.minearc.com.au). Shairzal’s product lines will continue, however Shairzal phone lines have now been disconnected and Shairzal email contacts have been redirected to MineARC. Shairzal’s website will continue to operate in the short term.

Do I have to deal with MineARC?
Put simply, no – the decision remains with you. However, as the established market leader across Australia and the world, we have by far the most in-depth and reliable resources available to you. And, in acquiring all of Shairzal’s manufacturing, servicing and sales info and expertise, we know your chambers better than anyone else. We’ll do everything we can to make sure the decision to continue with MineARC leads to as smooth and hassle free a transition as possible.

Are my Shairzal refuge chambers now suddenly left without someone able to service them?
No. MineARC can attend to all of your servicing needs. Despite significant differences between a MineARC and Shairzal refuge chamber, MineARC trained and qualified technicians are familiar with the make and model of your refuge chambers. They can firstly assess the condition and relative safety of your refuge chambers, and replace all parts as necessary. Where exact parts can no longer be sourced, compatible MineARC accredited parts will be provided.

What if I’m not sure on the current condition of my Shairzal refuge chambers?
MineARC would like to offer you a FREE audit on your existing Shairzal refuge chambers. MineARC personnel will fly out to your site and conduct a comprehensive inspection and condition report along with any recommendations or suggestions – completely FREE OF CHARGE TO YOU. Contact MineARC today to organize an audit. (Tel: (08) 9333 4966 | info@minearc.com.au | www.minearc.com.au).

Standardization is important on site. When buying new refuge models, do I have to buy MineARC models or are Shairzal models still available?
MineARC understands the importance of standardization on site. When requested, MineARC will continue to manufacture the Shairzal refuge product range. Where exact parts can no longer be sourced, compatible and comparable MineARC accredited parts will be provided.

Now that MineARC has acquired one of its past competitors, can we expect prices to change?
No. MineARC currently has no plans to alter either its own or Shairzal’s current pricing structures. It’s business as usual.