News Archives - Schlam

Fleet of mining haul trucks fitted with Hercules truck beds customised and designed to optimise payload, improve productivity and reduce operating costs in surface mining operations.

One Size Doesn’t Fit Any: How Tailored Mining Truck Beds Unlock Productivity and Lower Costs

June 8, 2026

Standardisation has its place in mining. It simplifies maintenance, improves consistency and can reduce complexity across large operations. But when it comes to truck beds, standardisation can become the enemy of productivity. Every mining operation is different. Material properties vary, fleet configurations change and production priorities evolve. Increasingly, new technologies such as autonomous haulage systems, and

Tom Smith standing in front of Schlam Hercules dump beds, highlighting Australian mining knowledge and truck bed design expertise for North American mining operations.

3 Load & Haul Lessons North American Miners Can Take from Australian Operations

June 2, 2026

Australian mining has a global reputation for being tough. Remote operations, abrasive materials and relentless production demands have pushed mining equipment to its limits for decades. For Schlam, decades working alongside some of the world’s most demanding mining operations hasn’t just shaped our products, it’s shaped how we think about payload, performance, and what actually

Schlam Engineering Draftsperson Krishma Gadhia discussing creative mining equipment design in an interview video thumbnail. Text in thumbnail reads "How is creativity the key to good design?"

Creativity as a Competitive Advantage in Heavy Engineering

May 18, 2026

In heavy engineering, creativity is not usually the first trait people think of. The industry is often viewed through a purely practical lens where performance, reliability and durability matter most. But innovative engineering has always depended on people willing to think differently. At Schlam, that mindset is embedded in how we approach design. Rather than

Front view of a heavy-duty mining haul truck with a Hercules lightweight truck bed used to improve payload and reduce haulage costs

Sometimes a bigger truck is not better

May 7, 2026

When the actual payload capacity of a haulage fleet constrains a targeted increase in production, buying bigger trucks to haul more is sometimes not the only option. In one example, a long-life copper mine in Central Asia found that changing to lightweight Hercules truck beds could achieve up to a 17% increase in payload and

NEW PEOPLE AND PRODUCTS LEADING GLOBAL GROWTH

May 5, 2026

Schlam is pleased to announce the appointment of experienced mining executive Phil Sellers to the role of Chief Commercial Officer as we continue to develop our global operating model. Phil will join Schlam in July and will lead our global sales teams and regionally based market managers. His appointment coincides with the release of an

Schlam's engineering and manufacturing teams standing inside Glencore's big CAT 995 Barracuda bucket.

The Big Barracuda

May 1, 2026

What started as a discussion with one of the world’s largest mining operators around optimising truck bed efficiency turned into the creation of the largest capacity wheel loader bucket ever produced by Schlam. Glencore commissioned Schlam to produce three bespoke wheel loader buckets designed to switch seamlessly between moving coal and waste at Australian sites.

Standardising equipment with non-standard solutions

March 13, 2026

How do you improve mine efficiency by standardising load and haul equipment when the fleet includes a diversity of machines and accessories? It’s a challenge that calls for a non-standard solution. In a recent example, the Schlam team worked with a Tier 1 miner in Australia to resize existing excavator buckets and custom design new

Schlam Hercules mining truck bed being lifted into the sky. Text reads How is Schlam Changing Mining in North America

Challenging a Century of Thinking: How Lighter Truck Beds Are Changing Mining in North America

February 23, 2026

For decades in the North American mining industry, the rule of thumb has been bigger and heavier means safer and more reliable. But what if that assumption was holding mines back? Schlam is proving that lighter doesn’t mean substandard reliability and performance, on the contrary, our results from infield payload studies tell us that performance

Schlam delivering green steel ‘world first’ in Australia

February 12, 2026

Global load and haul attachment manufacturer, Schlam Payload has released what it says is the world’s first mining truck beds made from green steel as part of its latest efforts to match higher open-pit mine site productivity with lower carbon emissions. Called ‘Xeroline’ and incorporating 100% carbon-free steel from the SSAB Zero™ steel range, the

Thumbnail for Tim Martin's global safety video, image text reads: HOW DOES SCHLAM MAINTAIN ITS SAFETY CULTURE GLOBALLY

Schlam’s Global Commitment to Safety: Everyone Goes Home

February 2, 2026

In just 3 years, Schlam’s manufacturing operations has grown rapidly going from 2 WA based facilities to 5 across 3 continents. The immense growth has more than tripled production capacity but has also introduce complexity when it comes to safety. With different, cultures, regulatory frameworks and operating environments the approach to safety requires a growth

Performance Mining's distinctive green Hercules truck bed being loaded by CombiLift onto truck leaving Schlam's Forrestfield facility

Boosting productivity and creating an innovative future: Performance Mining partners with Schlam

January 23, 2026

The strongest outcomes in mining don’t come from transactions, they come from true partnerships. Partnerships built on shared values, collaboration and a strong focus on performance. That is why we are incredibly proud to be working alongside Performance Mining as they continue to strengthen their load and haul operations with the addition of three new

The Fortescue and Schlam teams in high vis, posing in front of Fortescue's 300th Hercules Truck Bed at Schlam's Forrestfield facility.

Schlam Celebrates 300 Hercules Truck Beds with Fortescue: A Milestone in Partnership

January 20, 2026

Reaching the 300th milestone for Hercules truck beds delivered to Fortescue is an achievement worth celebrating. It is a representation of our long-standing partnership with a valued client, and highlights the growing global impact of Schlam’s Hercules product line. From the earliest designs to today’s innovations, Schlam’s Hercules truck beds have been driven by one

Joanne Pafumi with the speakers at AusIMM Thought Leadership Series after her talk on Decarbonisation as a collaborative effort

Decarbonisation is a collaborative effort

November 19, 2025

As Schlam commits to decarbonise, we recognise this is not a goal we can achieve alone. Speaking at a recent AusIMM Thought Leadership Series event, Schlam’s Director ESG and Corporate Affairs said while there are high expectations for the contribution companies will make to emissions reduction targets, the reality is that solutions come from working

Asset Management - Mining - Product Lifecycle Services Schlam

Maximising Value with Product Lifecycle Services

November 3, 2025

When you invest in your load and haul attachments to boost production every shift, you’re investing in more than just a Hercules truck bed or Barracuda mining bucket. You’re investing in productivity, reliability, and the confidence that your assets will deliver every shift. At Schlam, we understand that the true value of your investment goes

SCHLAM EXPANDS TO MUSWELLBROOK TO BETTER SERVE NSW MINES

July 17, 2025

As demand continues to grow on Australia’s East Coast, we’re proud to announce the opening of a new Schlam manufacturing facility in Muswellbrook, New South Wales. Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, this dedicated site will assemble Hercules Mining Truck Beds and Barracuda Loading Attachments to support open pit operations across the region.

Celebrating with our clients: The 100th Roy Hill Hercules bed

April 4, 2025

At Schlam, our purpose is to ensure that the customer experience is exceptional. That’s why when one of our valued customers hits a milestone, we like to celebrate with them. Recently, we had the privilege of presenting a specially made gift, which we proudly presented to Roy Hill’s Manager of Asset Management Mining, Kim Horton.

Schlam Payload Waroona

March 7, 2025

From manufacturing world-class Barracuda Mining Buckets to breaking barriers for women in the mining industry

SCHLAM PAYLOAD WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FROM WORKSAFE WA

November 7, 2024

We are incredibly proud to announce that Schlam Payload has won the WorkSafe WA Work Health & Safety Invention of the Year Award for our groundbreaking tray stand trolleys! Developed with the safety and well-being of our team in mind, these trolleys represent a game-changing solution that significantly reduces risks associated with manual handling and suspended

SCHLAM’S RIDE FOR A CAUSE: MACA CANCER 200 – 2024 RECAP

October 16, 2024

The 2024 MACA Ride for Cancer Research rolled into action last weekend, showcasing teamwork, resilience, and community spirit. Schlam’s “Team Schlammertime” was well-represented with 15 riders, including eight newcomers eager to make their mark. Organized by the Harry Perkins Institute, the event began at Perth’s Optus Stadium, where heartfelt stories from cancer survivors and those

Resilience in the Red Dirt: How Schlam Workers Stay Mentally Tough

September 30, 2024

Working FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) in the mining industry comes with its challenges—long hours, remote locations, and extended time away from family and friends. However, at Schlam, we believe mental health is just as important as physical safety on the job. It’s not just about getting the work done; it’s about staying mentally tough in the

Schlam Cru Board of Directors Announces Appointment of Nicky Firth

July 4, 2024

Schlam Cru is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicky Firth to the Company’s Board of Directors. Nicky will serve as an independent, non-executive Director. Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Schlam Cru provides specialised technical repair and maintenance services for heavy mining equipment to top-tier mining companies. Schlam Cru employs over four hundred Technical Specialists

Building Better Careers Through Technology

June 18, 2024

At Schlam, our dedication to innovation and technology goes above production efficiency—it’s about nurturing the skills, careers, and well-being of our people. We believe that by fostering an innovative work environment, we can meet the growing demand for our products and fleet maintenance services while simultaneously offering our people opportunities to thrive within a world-class

Celebrating Our 100th Barracuda Bucket

June 6, 2024

Schlam Payload recently celebrated a momentous milestone – the production of our 100th Barracuda Bucket. This achievement is a testament to the extraordinary dedication, hard work, and craftmanship of our incredible team. It is their unwavering commitment that has brought us to this proud moment, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share in this

From humble beginnings to global success – The story of Ryan Schlam

May 27, 2024

From a young apprentice to a visionary leader, Ryan Schlam’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and relentless hard work. Have you ever wondered how the rise of Schlam Group came to be? Having embarked on his apprenticeship as a boilermaker in his father’s precision welding business in Yarloop at just

Announcing Our New Commitment Charter

May 14, 2024

We’re delighted to share our new Commitment Charter, which is focused on innovation and aligned with our company ideology. At Schlam, our journey of growth is not just about expanding our business; it’s about embracing a global mindset centred on responsibility for those that rely on us. Our Commitment Charter serves as our guiding compass,

Ryan Schlam Wins at the 40 Under 40 Awards

May 6, 2024

In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, few accolades carry as much prestige and significance as being named on the 40 Under 40 list. These awards honour individuals who exhibit exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in their respective fields, all whom are under 40 years old. Among the distinguished recipients of the 2024 40 Under 40

Celebrating Our 2000th Hercules dump body

April 24, 2024

Schlam Payload Asia-Pacific recently celebrated a significant milestone – the delivery of their 2000th Hercules dump truck body. The completion of Hercules A2000 stands as a clear testament to their dedication to excellence, customer service and innovation in mining equipment. Hercules A2000 has been transported to a BHP mine site in the Pilbara, joining over

Schlam Cru’s journey to building a strong Employer Brand

April 23, 2024

One of the most powerful tools in an organisation’s arsenal is its employer brand. A strong employer brand serves as the cornerstone of an organisation’s ability to attract, engage, and retain top talent. A compelling employer brand serves as a magnet, drawing in talented individuals who are not only qualified but also aligned with a

Schlam Cru’s Expansion; Led by David Shoesmith

April 16, 2024

It’s becoming more apparent that Schlam Cru continues to surge forward with unstoppable momentum, introducing a barrage of new initiatives in recent times. Among these new developments, the launch of Schlam Cru’s expansion into other commodity markets marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey. With a proven track record of excellence in mechanical operations

500 and counting: Embracing growth as Schlam welcomes its 500th employee

April 9, 2024

As Schlam celebrates the addition of their 500th team member, they mark a significant milestone in their journey. This achievement not only showcases Schlam’s growth as a prominent employer but also highlights their steadfast dedication to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive. From the outset, Schlam has prioritised the cultivation of a