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One brand – two competence centres. Starting January 2020 RUBBLE MASTER and MAXIMUS will be united under the RM Group brand. This step follows the acquisition of Maximus by the Austrian world market leader in Compact Crushing in 2018. The two competence centres – RM Dungannon as the expert in screen technology and RM Headquarters in Linz as the specialist in crushers – are now united under a strong, worldwide brand.

Founded in Northern Ireland, the company has been part of the RM Group since 2018. Tracked mobile screens are produced in Northern Ireland and perfectly complement the RUBBLE MASTER product range to ensure the group’s ongoing success. This strategy was confirmed in 2019 by the RM Group’s growth of 15%. Their mutual cooperation in recent years has not only had a positive impact on the sales figures.

RUBBLE MASTER has always promoted a company culture that brings people together – customers, suppliers and network partners. In recent years this culture has enabled us to exchange knowledge with our location in Northern Ireland, develop and launch new products and expand our expertise in all areas,” says Gerald Hanisch, founder and owner of RUBBLE MASTER. The main focus will be on the reorganisation of processes and the evaluation of markets and products. In addition to customer benefits, many synergies have been employed over the years, such as shared suppliers and increased cooperation in innovation, product management and sales.

The initial partnership with Maximus has evolved much further. Over the last two years two competence centres have emerged – the production site in Northern Ireland as an expert for tracked mobile screens and the production site in Upper Austria as the world market leader for mobile crushers. “We see the rebranding as the next logical step so we appear on the market as a strong full solution provider with one brand name – the RM Group,” explains Hanisch. Uniform representation as RM Group is especially beneficial for the customer. As a full solution provider, the product range will appear in the same yellow livery, further synergies will be utilised and the team will be brought together. “We live and love long-term partnerships. With our two competence centres we offer lifetime support for all RM products worldwide – 24 hours a day, for the lifetime of the machine,” adds Hanisch.

“One of the most successful highlights this year has to be our stand at the bauma 2019 in Munich”, says the enthusiastic founder and Managing Director Gerald Hanisch.

RUBBLE MASTER sets new standards with the launch of the RM GO! NEXT concept and strengthens its position as the leading manufacturer of crushers and screens. There were also enough machines sold on-the-spot to keep the manufacturing workshops busy for several months.

 

 

With the RM 120GO! NEXT – the NEXT generation RM crusher – RUBBLE MASTER sets new standards in user friendliness and in the communication between the operator and the machine. The fully-integrated hybrid drive combines the advantages of diesel and electric driven crushers without increasing the size of the compact engine compartment.

 

 

 

RUBBLE MASTER also expanded its dealership network in 2019. We would like to give a warm welcome to our latest members of the RM Family:

 

Europe

 

Asia

 

RUBBLE MASTER is growing in all areas – from expanding the product range to increasing the number of employees. Milestones that have led to the planned expansion of RM headquarters in Linz-Pichling as well as the organisational changes in the company structure. In order to remain on course for success in the future, RUBBLE MASTER has also expanded its management team. The new management team provides the cornerstone for continued growth.

Solution driven and focussing on processes and employees, Manfred Nowak is the new Operations Manager looking after Production, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Warehouse and IT. As a strategist with a global perspective, Christian Spicker is the new Chief Sales Officer managing Sales, Marketing, After Sales and Parts. With his dynamic style of implementation and vision for future market requirements, Markus Gaggl is the new Chief Technology Officer responsible for Product Management, Technology, Innovation Management and Digital Services.

 

As Head of Administration Julia Aschenwald is responsible for every aspect of company administration at RM. In addition to her passion for figures, loyalty to the company is one of her priorities.

 

 

 

The RM Team would like to thank all our customers, sales partners, network partners and suppliers for their excellent cooperation over the past year. We wish you a Happy Christmas and a successful start to the New Year in 2020!

In this year’s apprentice project, a machine error troubleshooting device was designed, built and programmed by Magdalena Frauenberger and Markus Schaffer. As part of their apprenticeship, each apprentice is given the opportunity to plan and manage their own project. Ideas for these projects often come from other departments.

 

The inconspicuous looking device that is approximately A4 in size is connected to the machine by two cables and can do more than it might seem at first glance. Magdalena explains: “Using our device, the machine error codes can be displayed quickly and easily.” Until now, this was a time-consuming and complicated process. The error codes could only be displayed at the machine as 3-digit codes. You then had to look for the solution to the error in a page-long table. Thanks to the invention of the two young technicians, this lengthy process is no longer necessary. “Our device displays the relevant error code with the corresponding troubleshooting solution. It also indicates whether a switch or a conveyor belt is switched on or off,” says Magdalena.

 

The two apprentices started with some online research to get an idea of how this device could take shape. “We first picked out the hardware and the corresponding technical drawing from the Internet,” Magdalena explains. “Then we planned the whole project in detail and put together a shopping list. The necessary components were purchased and then we started building the actual device.” Magdalena describes what happened next: “Since we had little experience with programming, we did some exercises with the Codesys program. Then we started assembling the hardware and programming the display and the user interface.”

 

When they encountered problems, they both received support from motivated employees. Magdalena describes some of the challenges they faced during the project: “Of course there were some difficulties. For example, the insulation on a wire was pinched at the terminal so that there was no electrical contact and the data was not transmitted. The soldering was also a bit complicated because we patched together our own distributor and so the soldering was a bit difficult.”

Magdalena is already thinking about the further development and improvement of the device: “We have got the device in production right now where it is being tested on various machines.” The ambitious technician says: “I am not yet completely satisfied with the idea that the machine error troubleshooting device has to be connected up to a socket inside the engine compartment. This means that the operator has to climb into the machine to plug it in, which is pretty awkward.” When the device is fully developed, it will be included in our production process to support the start-up of the machines. This will help ensure quality is maintained at all RM Group locations. Magdalena confirms that every project is only as good as its team: “The cooperation between Markus and me worked very well and we are extremely proud of the final result!”

 

This enthusiasm really comes across when Magdalena talks about her apprenticeship in general. She knows exactly what she likes about her apprenticeship at RUBBLE MASTER: “I am only at the beginning of the 3rd year of my apprenticeship and I really like the fact that I can already work independently and am a trusted member of the team. In other companies, apprentices are often in the trainee workshop up to the 3rd year of their apprenticeship and when they do finally reach production, they are not allowed to do much. I also think it’s great that I’m allowed to make mistakes and that I’m shown how to correct them, because that’s the only way you really learn.” RUBBLE MASTER attaches great importance to growing together as a team. “I would recommend to anyone considering a technical apprenticeship that they arrange a trial day,” says Magdalena.

Mobile RM products on the road to success
In 2018 the world market leader in the production of mobile crushers for recycling C&D waste and processing natural rock recorded the most successful year in the company’s history to date (+38%) and 2019 will also see the continuation of its successful course. “The ongoing further development of our entire product range and the spirit of innovation experienced in our company ensure a sound order intake and play a decisive role in our results,” says CEO and founder Gerald Hanisch with satisfaction. “Worldwide demand for RM has increased again this year (2019). The integration of Maximus into the RM Group has also been highly successful, so the focus is now on implementing our market strategy,” adds CFO Günther Weissenberger.

In addition to extending its product range, RM’s success lies above all in its unique corporate culture, its internal innovation processes and the members of the RM Family. “We intend to continue growing continuously and successfully in the future – and that requires internal measures in order to live up to this claim,” says Hanisch.

New management team with a vision for the future
RUBBLE MASTER has brought in a new level of management in order to remain a leading pioneer in the industry and set new standards in the future. “RM is preparing for the future – preparations for further growth are ongoing,” confirms Operations Manager Manfred Nowak. With 20 years of management experience, the trained fitter/toolmaker and engineering college graduate takes his new responsibility in the areas of production, purchasing, supply chain, warehousing and IT seriously. Solution driven, focusing on processes and preparing for the future are just as important to Nowak as a strong employee focus.

With a career of 28 years at his previous company, Chief Sales Officer Christian Spicker brings with him many years of wide-ranging experience: “RUBBLE MASTER is a company with clear values that are immediately apparent. The transparency and openness were noticeable from the very first moment.” The engineering college graduate also sees young people holding the key to the future: “As an innovative and exciting employer, we want to be a link to educational institutions, universities and technical colleges.” Christian Spicker is a strategist who takes the whole picture into consideration and is responsible for sales, marketing, after sales and parts.

Markus Gaggl, Chief Technology Officer, has a passion for this industry and understands how the market is changing and what is needed. “To provide our customers with the highest flexibility, in future we will focus even more on the configurability of our products,” says Gaggl. Having graduated in Digital Business & Leadership, he was Senior Product Manager at RUBBLE MASTER until 2018. After one and a half years of reorientation, he has now returned to the company: “It was as if I had never been away – like coming back to your family after a trip around the world” Gaggl is responsible for product management, engineering, innovation management and digital services. This is where he will be able to put his implementation strength and his vision of future market needs to best use.

Julia Aschenwald, Head of Administration, is also enthusiastic about the RM Family: “Despite consistent growth, RUBBLE MASTER never loses touch with people. That is why I am delighted to be part of the RM Family.” Apart from her passion for numbers, loyalty to the company is one of her priorities. Since graduating from Steyr University of Applied Sciences, Julia Aschenwald has been Head of Accounting at the company for five years and is now responsible for all RM’s administration.

Expanding production in Linz
The Linz-based engineering company has laid the cornerstone for further growth by appointing a new management team. Another important step in the expansion strategy is extending the Linz-Pichling site. A competent team of employees and long-standing relationships with suppliers and network partners signal a clear commitment to Linz as a production location. CFO Günther Weissenberger confirms that “RM is committed to the Linz location and will expand the location step by step over the next few years according to the master plan that we have developed. In order to promote further growth, we have decided to expand our management team in order to support the company’s development together.”

At the beginning of the month, RUBBLE MASTER’s new apprentices start an exciting chapter in their training. RUBBLE MASTER offers a field of activity in a dynamic, globally active and sustainably thinking company. Potential apprentices can choose from a range of varied and future-oriented apprenticeships at RM. Among other things, we offer apprenticeships for office clerks, mechatronics engineers, computer scientists, metalwork technicians and agricultural and construction machinery technicians. Each year RUBBLE MASTER hires between three and seven new apprentices. Training normally starts in August, but we also welcome people who are looking for a career change at any time. “As a medium-sized company, we can respond to each individual apprentice in order to specifically promote their individual strengths,” says Regina Denkmayr, Head of Apprentice Training at the company. One of the new apprentices is Lukas Birklbauer who is completing an apprenticeship as an office clerk. In a short interview he provides an insight into his first days at the company.

 

Interview with Luka Birklbauer – office clerk apprentice

 

Interviewer: Why did you choose RUBBLE MASTER as your employer?

Luka: Mainly because of the good training they offer. I also think that RUBBLE MASTER has good prospects for the future, as it is a very large and successful company.

Interviewer: Which apprenticeship training course are you doing?

Luka: I am doing my apprenticeship as an office clerk.

Interviewer: What made you choose this career?

Luka: I think this is a profession that offers good opportunities for the future. If you have completed an apprenticeship in the office, you can also further your education in many other areas.

Interviewer: How do you like the rotation RUBBLE MASTER offers?

Luka: I like this system very much. You get an insight into the different departments and can then choose in which area you would like to work. You get a much better idea of the company as a whole.

Interviewer: What are you looking forward to most?

Luka: I am looking forward to getting to know my new colleagues and learning new skills along the way.

Interviewer: What do you hope for?

Luka: I hope to get a good education and a lot of new knowledge.

Interviewer: How were your first days at RUBBLE MASTER?

Luka: The last few days have been a lot of fun. The first day we went on a trip. The last two days were also very interesting because we were shown what to do at work and I felt that I was already being very productive.

 

 

 

Apprenticeship with added value

So that each apprentice can gain a good overview of the multi-faceted nature of the company, we introduced a rotation system. Through this rotation, apprentices can find out whether the occupation they have chosen really is the right one for them. Each apprentice goes through all departments during their apprenticeship and gets an impression of the different professions within the company. This gives the technician an insight into everyday office life and office apprentices learn how a crusher is made in production. In addition to the personalised apprenticeship offering, RUBBLE MASTER also offers apprentice trips and internships abroad.

 

Before the end of the apprenticeship, we plan the future and professional career together with the apprentices. Regina Denkmayr: “Approximately 60% of qualified apprentices remain with the company. The main reason for them staying with us is our long-term career planning, which also offers the opportunity to switch professions.” There are some examples of this, such as an apprentice who originally learned business logistics and also worked in this profession for several years. It was clear during ongoing discussions that he would like to move into the office at some point. Half a year ago he then moved to Purchasing and Regina Denkmayr is convinced that “This is a huge benefit for the company if there is a specialist in Purchasing who understands the process and has a view of the big picture. It’s a great example of how, after some time, we evaluate whether another job would be more suitable.”

 

At RUBBLE MASTER, acquiring professional knowledge is just the beginning and apprentices can expect much more from their new apprenticeship. Regina Denkmayr comments: “We teach background knowledge about the company in all departments so that the interrelationships can be seen, the network partners are familiar, and our philosophy is understood.” Language coaching, communication skills and presentation training are also provided. At RUBBLE MASTER, we say: “The sky is not the limit, it is just the beginning” and we acknowledge that everything can be achieved with hard work and effective performance. Regina Denkmayr emphasizes: “For us, it is not only certificates or university degrees that count, but also knowledge and hard work.”

 

Girl power

The company is constantly working on getting more girls interested in a technical apprenticeship. Regina Denkmayr emphasizes: “This is something that we need to continue promoting. We are especially happy about female applicants and have had extremely positive feedback so far. It’s a huge gain for a department when a woman joins it. Companies are smart when they rely on more women. However, this can fail if basic infrastructure such as changing rooms is not available, and women are prevented from pursuing a technical profession.” Regina Denkmayr is pleased to mention a positive example of a female trainee: “We have a trainee who is actually a qualified a kindergarten teacher (BAfEP) and is now working in a technical profession. She is extremely successful, wins awards and is in no way regarded as inferior to the lads.”

 

A choice of training formats

Approximately half of all RUBBLE MASTER apprentices complete their apprenticeship with the Austrian high school graduation certificate. RUBBLE MASTER supports this format wherever possible, and is able to coordinate working hours or offer study leave, if it is urgently needed, so that each apprentice can prepare for their exams. Regina Denkmayr says: “We always encourage our apprentices to choose this option. However, they still have to attend college and study hard.” You never stop learning, and because RUBBLE MASTER is committed to this philosophy, we continue to offer our employees up-to-date training and career development opportunities. Employees often go back to school again to obtain a university degree or qualify as a master foreman.

 

RUBBLE MASTER is open to innovation and it has recently become possible to join RM in the professions of mechatronics and operational logistics through the Dual Academy of the Chamber of Commerce. This training format is specially designed for high school graduates and offers them a shortened apprenticeship period and a rapid career entry with a lucrative salary.

 

How to get started

The application process starts every year at the careers trade fair in Wels, which is from 02 to 05 October this year. Then the first applications arrive, with the majority coming in during November and December. We invite the applicants to come and visit us for a chat and try out a day working at RM. Potential apprentices should possess team and communication skills and show commitment, independence, friendliness and an interest in technology. Regina Denkmayr appreciates the potential of each applicant and would like to take away the fear of job interviews: “With technical apprentices, the interview is not at all formal. We will ask you, for example, if you have ever changed a car tyre. Office apprentices attend a hearing, which sounds a bit daunting, but just means that several applicants take part at the same time – so there are 6-8 people. Every year Regina Denkmayr looks forward to welcoming new apprentices and all potential applicants. If you want to join the “best team in the industry”, the Human Resources department would be happy to provide you with information about out apprenticeships.

RUBBLE MASTER and the Institute for Integrated Quality Design (IQD) worked together on a research project and presented the results at RM headquarters at the beginning of July. As part of the Johannes Kepler University Linz, the IQD as an interdisciplinary research and teaching institute that focuses on the interface between quality, innovation and recycling management. RUBBLE MASTER also attaches great importance to innovation, so a collaboration with the institute under the direction of Prof. Dr. Erik Hansen was a win-win situation for both sides. As part of their course on the circular economy taught by Ms. Dr. Wiener, MBA, the students were able to implement their research directly at RUBBLE MASTER.

The IQD offers impressively high standards. Students from a wide range of faculties can attend courses here. The interdisciplinary nature of the institute increases the value of the research results, because looking at a problem from different viewpoints brings fresh inspiration to the result that can be achieved. Around 30 international students were able to do research at RUBBLE MASTER as part of this cooperation. The groups were made up of both technology and management students. The teams of mixed experts were able to demonstrate their knowledge and outline future perspectives in three challenges on two topics each. The challenges covered the topics “Smart Products”, “Product Service Systems” and “Circular Products”.

Smart products and digitalisation already play an important role at RUBBLE MASTER today. With the RM GO! SMART principle, RM leads the industry with decisive innovation. RM GO! SMART provides the foundation to avoiding unscheduled downtime and troubleshoot the problem yourself using the error code routines provided. Students at IQD developed the application areas of Smart Products for the next level and analysed the issue of how added value can be achieved by digital products in the service sector. The students showed great interest and by using interviews with experts and a great deal of motivation, they were able to outline further digital products, especially in the field of remote and predictive maintenance as well as education & training.

Service was also the focus of the second challenge on the subject of “Product Service Systems”. The future will not only see technically advanced machines, but also comprehensive service packages that will be needed to keep them optimised. The students developed comprehensive concepts concerning RM Academy, Rental Systems as well as Trouble Simulators up to an RM Driving Licence.

The research groups investigating the subject of “Circular Products” looked at exciting issues of the future, about which topics will become interesting in the recycling industry next. Key to these issues are the requirements that will be enforced concerning the circular economy over the next few years and decades and which materials will need to be recycled in the near future.

RUBBLE MASTER very much appreciates being able to work together with research institutions such as the Institute for Integrated Quality Design. RM Founder and Director Gerald Hanisch is also convinced of this. “We were very pleased with the extensive and varied presentations. The interdisciplinary aspect brings together different perspectives of the same problem so that comprehensive, innovative concepts can be created.” Working together with students and research institutes is always welcome because it brings a breath of fresh air into the company. “Cooperation with research institutes can take various forms and brings a great deal of potential,” says Hanisch. “RUBBLE MASTER is open to innovative research in all areas – whether as part of a research project, as a final thesis at technical college or as part of a bachelor’s or master’s thesis – and is looking forward to further interdisciplinary development,” says Managing Director.

At this year’s Suppliers Day, RUBBLE MASTER once again welcomed suppliers from all over Europe to Linz. During an extensive programme, the guests had the opportunity to gain insight into the future developments of RM, to exchange experiences and to optimise shared processes. It was a sunny day at RM Headquarters, which started with a welcoming address. That was followed by a trip on the RUBBLE MASTER tram to the Ars Electronica Centre in Linz, which proved to be the first highlight. The delegation reached the Museum of the Future in an environmentally friendly way and were able to gain insights into the technologies of the next generation during an exciting guided tour.

Strengthened by an Upper Austrian culinary classic – meatloaf provided by the legendary Leberkas Pepi – the experts started the afternoon back at RM Headquarters, which was all about innovation. The latest developments by RUBBLE MASTER were presented in rapid-fire lectures. With more than 80 sales partners in 110 countries, RM was able to achieve its goals in 2018. They are pleased about a large increase in the number of employees and have a positive outlook on developments in 2019. RUBBLE MASTER again set new standards this year at the Bauma trade fair in terms of innovation with the RM GO! NEXT principle and presented this and future developments to an interested audience. Suppliers are part of the RM Family and are important players in the successful implementation of future plans.

Afterwards, experts were able to exchange views in four groups on the topics “Top challenges”, “Change management and module interfaces with the crusher”, “Control systems & automation” and “Specialists – the employers of the future”. The results of these talks will be made available to all the participants – as in previous years – to promote ongoing direct cooperation with each other.

The productive afternoon was followed by a relaxed RM summer party. From 6pm onwards, RM suppliers, employees as well as family and network partners celebrated in a summer evening atmosphere. Around 250 guests enjoyed delicacies from the barbecue accompanied by exotic cocktails. For the little guests there was a painting corner, a football corner and an interactive bouncy castle, which were in full operation until late in the evening. Musically, the event was accompanied by the “Southern Steel Riders”, who thrilled the audience with classic rock ‘n’ roll throughout the evening.

For more photos of the RM Suppliers Day and Summer Opening 2019, please visit our Facebook fan page.

Bauma 2019 was not only the biggest bauma ever, but also the most successful ever for RUBBLE MASTER. RM and Maximus sold crushers and screens adding up to a capacity of several months directly at the trade fair. The highlight in the truest sense of the word: The visual human-machine communication system RM Operations Assist, which is part of RM GO! NEXT.

“Our crushers and screens communicate with the user either directly using light signals or via the RM GO! SMART App. This allows the operator to monitor the machine directly from the excavator cab and see the most important indicators at a glance without having to enter the machine’s danger zone. Our goal is to make our crushers and screens even safer with RM GO! NEXT,” explains RM founder and CEO Gerald Hanisch. This system has been implemented in both the new RM 120GO! next crusher and the RM MSC8500e hybrid screen. LED lamps visible from all sides of the crusher show the operator the current status of the machine in three colours (green, yellow, red). The machine communication lights signal the key statuses of operation, maintenance and warning. These lights are part of the standard equipment of the RM 120GO! next and RM MSC8500e machines.

 

Ex ski racer Hermann Maier at RM customer event

In addition to the RM machines, the former Austrian ski racer and multiple Olympic medallist and World Cup winner Hermann Maier was also a major attraction at the RM customer event.

Hermann got to know RM a few months ago in Linz and was visibly impressed by the new RM NEXT concept. He also noticed the cohesion within the RM Family at the event, which can be seen at RUBBLE MASTER both in the team and in the way they work together with sales partners and customers. Accordingly, he enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at the RM trade fair stand. Accompanied by Austrian delicacies, wine and “granite beer” as well as sounds from the acoustic artist Ali Andress and his band Fluglicht, everybody partied into the night RM-style.