The truck market constantly demands innovation and the ability to meet the most stringent requirements. In this article, we will explore the compelling brand story of the collaboration between Austin Engineering, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks, and SSAB, a premium steel supplier. Together, they create superior trucks, setting new standards for the mining industry.
Austin Engineering: Pioneering Heavy-Duty Truck Design
Austin Engineering’s journey began decades ago with a continuous drive to break boundaries in design and hauling capacity. Austin has manufactured trucks capable of carrying over 363 tonnes (400 US tons), a remarkable feat in the industry. Austin’s success lies in its application of advanced materials and relentless pursuit of improvement. The use of Hardox 450 and 500 steel as primary structures allows for lighter yet exceptionally durable vehicles, setting new benchmarks for demanding applications in the mining sector.
Austin Engineering heavy-duty truck in a mining environment
SSAB: A Strategic Partner in the Innovation Journey
To meet increasingly demanding customer needs and maintain leadership in customized design, Austin Engineering partnered with SSAB. Mr. Dan Reynolds, VP of Engineering at Austin, and Mr. Johnny Greer, Supply Chain Director, were constantly seeking improvements in the properties of 500 Brinell steel (HBW), a material grade not yet available from the steel industry at the time.
“We discussed our needs with SSAB and knew it would be a challenging product to develop,” Reynolds shared. “If successful, it would allow us to offer the market solutions they truly desire, whether it’s extending product life or reducing weight to carry more payload. Having that material would allow us to continue advancing the mining equipment industry.”
Dan Reynolds, VP of Engineering at Austin Engineering, speaking about SSAB partnership
Understanding the importance of collaboration and customer feedback, SSAB continuously invested in research and development. The close partnership between the two companies helped SSAB gain deeper insights into market needs and drive new product initiatives.
SSAB and Austin Engineering logos representing their collaboration
Hardox 500 Tuf: A Breakthrough in Steel Technology
The result of this collaboration is the advent of Hardox 500 Tuf, a 500 Brinell hardness steel plate that maintains structural steel toughness. SSAB was the first company in the world to introduce this groundbreaking steel.
Mr. Tobias Appelkvist, Segment Director Mining, SSAB Special Steels North America, explained: “Understanding customer needs in many applications and segments is the basis for enabling us to develop completely new products. Introducing a unique steel like Hardox 500 Tuf is the result of close collaboration with customers and demonstrates our commitment to helping them innovate and advance their industries.”
Tobias Appelkvist, Segment Director Mining, SSAB Special Steels North America, presenting Hardox 500 Tuf steel
Conclusion
The story of the partnership between Austin Engineering and SSAB is a clear testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in creating superior products that meet the evolving demands of the market. The use of Hardox 500 Tuf has enabled Austin Engineering to continue leading in the design and manufacture of heavy-duty trucks, while also solidifying SSAB’s pioneering position in the steel industry. The combination of forward vision and responsiveness to customer needs has forged a successful brand story for both companies in the truck sector.
