19 November 2024

Sale agreement to strengthen RME's future

A message from RME Founder, Executive Chairman and Chief Engineer, Dr John Russell announcing sale agreement to strengthen RME’s future.

RUSSELL MINERAL EQUIPMENT (RME) has entered into a transitional sale agreement with Resource Capital Funds (RCF) and the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC). 

The agreement will strengthen RME’s future, honour the growth and potential of the company, while ensuring it remains an Australian-owned and operated company based in Queensland.

Since 1985, RME has innovated mill relining technologies and services in the pursuit of removing fatal risk and improving our Customers’ productivity. 

I didn’t build RME with the intention of selling it but at this stage in my life, it was important and responsible that I actively pursue succession plans for the company that I love, to strengthen its future, our people’s careers and the Customers we serve and keep safe every day.

Dr. John Russell, Founder, Executive Chairman and Chief Engineer, RME

The remarkable combination of RME’s propriety, industry-leading inventions, our strong team, healthy balance sheet and pipeline of opportunities, as well as an enviable group of Customers and suppliers, make RME an attractive investment. 

I am a proud Australian and creating opportunities for Australians was one of my primary goals in founding RME, so as I considered succession for my Company RME, the possibility of an investment from the Australian Government's NRFC was immediately attractive.

Dr. John Russell, Founder, Executive Chairman and Chief Engineer, RME

The NRFC mandate is to grow Australian manufacturing capability and industry. They invest in Australian projects to transform industry capability, grow jobs and a skilled workforce, and diversify the economy.  

RCF is a leading mining-focused, global alternative investment firm working at the forefront of sustainable mining investments. With a dedication to making mining safer, cleaner and more efficient, they are aligned with RME’s two-fold purpose and aspiration to improve the human condition through responsible access to metals at lower cost. 

Andrew Jessett of RCF is well-known to RME having been an advisor to RME’s Board since 2019. He has a proven reputation as an entrepreneur, technologist and businessperson. Andrew is aware of my determination to ensure RME lives in perpetuity. 

RCF and the NRFC recognise and value the standard set by RME for 40 years. Our Board and Chief Executive Team are very excited to be working with both organisations in this new era of growth for the Company.

The transitional sale agreement we have entered into will strengthen RME’s future, helping it to live in perpetuity, honour the growth and potential of the company, secure skilled jobs in regional Australia, and finally, will ensure we remain Australian-owned and operated from Queensland.

Dr. John Russell, Founder, Executive Chairman and Chief Engineer, RME

Furthermore, the investment strengthens RME’s position as the world's most trusted original equipment manufacturer of mill relining technologies, and Australia’s leadership in the manufacturing of advanced mining technology. 

We are proud of the impact our inventions have had, the jobs we have created, our contribution to Australia’s sovereign industrial capabilities, and efforts to enhance the wellbeing of the communities in which we operate. 

I am grateful for every RME employee and Board colleague over our 40 years, for their ideas, energy and wonderful camaraderie. I am grateful for every Customer, for the faith and trust they have placed in us and for collaborations that have resulted in life-saving inventions and products. I am grateful for every vendor and industry associate who has worked alongside us, sharing mutual goals.

Dr. John Russell, Founder, Executive Chairman and Chief Engineer, RME

I am proud of our regional city of Toowoomba, RME’s foundational city, for the opportunities it has given to me and to RME. We have grown together, maturing and embracing greater levels of diversity. I am proud to contribute so strongly to this city’s economy and culture, through RME. 

My belief in our purpose remains steadfast. The combination of RCF’s investment experience, NRFC funding, and RME’s high performance team and culture provides the security to ensure RME can reach its fullest potential, more quickly, as the world strives for a net zero future.

Yours faithfully

Dr John Russell

To view the announcement from the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, visit: nrf.gov.au