Dyno Nobel Unveils State-of-the-Art Automated Electronic Detonator Plant in Helidon

Dyno Nobel has officially opened its state-of-the-art, fully automated electronic detonator plant at its Helidon manufacturing site in Queensland.
 

This multi-million-dollar facility marks a significant milestone in Dyno Nobel's commitment to enhancing safety, innovation, and operational efficiency in the Australian resources sector, playing a crucial role in producing products vital to the mining and resources industry. 

The project will deliver an increase in Dyno Nobel’s capability to manufacture its DigiShot® Plus.4G  units, one of the world’s safest and most popular electronic detonator systems.

Automated assembly is expected to drive significant safety and operational efficiency improvements for our operators, positioning Dyno Nobel, a business of Incitec Pivot Limited, at the forefront of automated electronic detonator production in the industry.

Helidon’s General Manager, Operations, Paddy Wiggall said the opening of the automated electronic detonator plant was a proud moment for Dyno Nobel and the entire Helidon team. 

“This project highlights our unwavering commitment to the region, our dedicated employees, and our valued customers. By investing in automation and reducing human interaction with explosives, we are not just enhancing our operational efficiency and competitiveness — we are also upholding high standards of safety and quality in every detonator we deliver,” he said. 

“This automated electronic detonator plant will allow us to deliver exceptional product quality and ensure security of supply for our customers. Importantly, it also provides significant upskilling opportunities for our workforce, equipping them with new skills which are essential in today’s rapidly evolving economy.”

The Helidon manufacturing site plays a crucial role in supporting Australia’s resources sector, employing approximately 100 people from the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley region, 60 per cent of whom are female. 

As part of Dyno Nobel’s broader automation strategy, this new plant builds on previous advancements at the company’s Simsbury site in the United States.  The automation initiative is a key component of Dyno Nobel’s growth and technology strategy, addressing the critical drivers of safety and operational efficiency.

“We are exploring options for further automation at Helidon, and this new plant represents a significant step forward in that journey.  Our focus remains on delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.” Mr Wiggall said. 

Today’s official opening of the automated electronic detonator plant includes a ceremony to commemorate the important milestone. 

ENDS

 

  

Official Opening Ceremony 

^{Left to right: Project Manager, David Rowbottom; Automation Process Engineer, Bruce Reeler; Vice President of Product & Technology, David Gribble; Lockyer Deputy Mayor, Cr Chris Wilson; IPL CEO & Managing Director, Mauro Neves; Helidon Site Manager, Paddy Wiggall; Engineer & Reliability Manager, Peacey F. Thompson & Electronics Manufacturing Manager, Terry Houston}. 

 

 

 

 

^{Left to Right: Engineer & Reliability Manager, Peacey F. Thompson & IPL CEO & Managing Director, Mauro Neves.} 

 

About Incitec Pivot Limited 

An ASX100 company, IPL has two industry leading businesses, Dyno Nobel based in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions and Incitec Pivot Fertilisers (IPF), a leading integrated manufacturer and distributor of fertilisers across the east coast of Australia. We are an international business with world-scale explosives and fertiliser manufacturing, leading technology solutions, marketing and servicing operations. We are proud to be considered a trusted partner by customers and suppliers. 

About Dyno Nobel

Dyno Nobel is an industry leader in blasting technology, commercial explosives and blasting services. With a history dating back to the pioneering work of its founder Alfred Nobel, Dyno Nobel was founded on the principles of innovation, safety, and excellence.
Dyno Nobel has a strong presence across six continents, including a global network of manufacturing facilities and distribution channels and delivers reliable, efficient, and sustainable solutions to customers across industries including mining, quarry and construction and oil and gas. The company's world-class people include some of the most highly recognised and experienced blasting technology engineers and blasters in the industry.

 

For more information:

Debbie Guest
Group Corporate Affairs Manager
Tel:+61 455 745 639
Email: debbie.guest@incitecpivot.com.au