Media Release
21 November 2025
RCR Mining Technologies Celebrates 50 Years of Engineering Excellence
RCR Mining Technologies marked a proud milestone on Wednesday — its 50th anniversary — with a celebratory cocktail reception on Wednesday at its Picton East site, bringing guests together to honour the company’s legacy and contributions to the mining and engineering sectors.
The evening featured a commemorative video and speeches from key leaders including RCR EGM Brendan Dorricott, former EGM Ian Gibbs, and NRW MET Group COO Michael Gollschewski, reflecting on the company’s journey from humble beginnings to global recognition.
Founded in 1975 in Bunbury, Western Australia, RCR Engineering began as a regional supplier of mineral processing equipment. A maintenance contract in 1977 with Alcoa for the Port of Bunbury, which is still in effect today, alongside the acquisition of the business by Greenbushes Tin in 1979, marked the start of a new growth phase, serving mining operations and industrial clients across the Southwest.
Throughout the 80s and 90s, RCR transformed into a turnkey engineering powerhouse with national and international reach. Landmark projects, including the relocatable Yoganup Mineral Sands Plant and deliveries to Indonesia and Ghana, cemented its reputation for innovation.
A management buyout in 1990 ushered in a new era of strategic advancement, including broadening the company’s equipment range and expanding into the iron ore industry.
Former EGM Ian Gibbs recalled a pivotal moment for the company during this period.
“In 1991, we secured a major contract to build an exceptionally large apron feeder for Argyle Diamond, measuring two by 20 metres. It was a significant leap forward in our capabilities, especially when we hadn’t done anything like it before,” Ian shared.
“That project marked a turning point. It signaled to the major players in the iron ore industry that RCR was a serious contender, and it affirmed that we were here to stay.”
In 1993, RCR received the WA Small Business Award, recognising its growing impact in the engineering sector. Later that decade, the company delivered an industry-first iron ore scrubbing process plant for Robe River, a breakthrough that led to the development of a suite of relocatable turnkey plants, appealing to major mining clients.
By 1997, building on its momentum and expanding portfolio, RCR Engineering merged with Centurian Industries to form RCR Tomlinson Ltd, marking a new chapter in the company’s evolution.
Reflecting on his time leading the company, Ian said the strong camaraderie within the business defined its culture and fueled success
“RCR was founded on a spirit of friendship and a shared commitment to solving client challenges collaboratively.
“I was particularly proud of RCR winning the WA Engineering Excellence Award in both 2009 and 2010 – a testament to the team’s pioneering mindset and being a leading manufacturing company in Australia.”
During the remainder of the 2000s, RCR became Australia’s primary supplier of apron feeders, and the company continued to push boundaries with major contracts and international partnerships. In 2019, RCR joined NRW Holdings, entering a new period of growth and innovation.
EGM Brendan Dorricott shared his excitement in leading RCR as they celebrate their 50-year milestone, including that the company is poised to extend its engineering excellence to the global market.
“I’m proud of all the innovations we bring to clients; however, I am particularly excited about our sealed pan feeder. We delivered our first units to Fortescue last year, and they’re already seeing improved reliability and reduced maintenance,” Brendan said.
“We also showcased the feeder at MINExpo in Las Vegas, which gave us an opportunity to highlight our engineering brilliance on the world stage.”
This year the company was awarded funding as part of the WA State Government’s Wind Energy Co-Investment Program to produce transition flanges for wind turbines, which will generate 48 new jobs and $36 million in revenue over the next five years. An initiative which reflects RCR’s commitment to sustainability and Australia’s renewable energy transition.
Brendan also mentioned the company’s growing focus on aftermarket support, aimed at delivering full lifecycle value to customers and helping them maximise the performance and longevity of their equipment.
“Over the next 50 years, I see us extending the same value we’ve consistently delivered to the Australian market onto the global stage,” he said.
“I’m deeply grateful to our incredible customers, partners, loyal team members and local community – their support and commitment have been instrumental in shaping RCR into the industry-leading business it is today.”
With over 1100 equipment solutions delivered and more than 500 team members, RCR Mining Technologies continues to set the benchmark in advanced materials handling. Driven by innovation, powered by people, and focused on the future.
Images
Photo 1: NRW MET Group COO Michael Gollschewski, RCR EGM Brendan Dorricott and former EGM Ian Gibbs at RCR’s 50th anniversary cocktail function
Photo 2: The event was hosted at RCR’s Bunbury facility
Photo 3: The RCR engineering workshop in the 1970s featuring one of the company’s scrubbers
Photo 4: The Argyle Diamond apron feeder leaving the workshop in 1991
Photo 5: The 1990 buyout group (L-R) – John Noordhoek, Charlie Birmingham, Bob Raitt, John Linden, Gordon Marshall and Woody Woodhouse
Media Contacts
RCR Engagement Improvement Lead, Rosie Ferguson
rosie.ferguson@rcrmt.com.au | 0421 258 076
RCR Principal Strategy & Engagement, Ruth Wilson
ruth.wilson@rcrmt.com.au | 0435 438 139