MDL makes transatlantic move

LASER measurement specialist MDL is launching a new business in Canada following an acquisition.

MDL has bought Thomas Engineering, based in Ottawa, which already uses MDL products to provide services to the mining sector in Canada.

The acquisition will see the York company launch MDL Canada which will focus on the country’s quarrying and surveying industries.

MDL founder and chairman, Steve Ball, said: “The global laser surveying industry is set to grow by 50% in the next two years. This will certainly be reflected in Canada where there are vast resource developments and very few people to do this specialist work.

“Our developments in robotic surveying are having a profound effect on how surveying operations are conducted, especially in the dangerous and environmentally-complex field of mining. MDL’s growth is because our equipment saves lives as well as valuable time and money and substantially reduces the risks in conducting essential underground measurement operations.

“MDL is doubling in size every two years in spite of the tough economic climate and we now aim to double turnover at MDL Canada Ltd in the next 12 months and create many new jobs as we grow the business across western Canada and into other industrial sectors as part of our global expansion and consolidation.”

The deal for Thomas Engineering follows MDL’s acquisition of an Australian firm last year and adds to its presence in Brazil, Chile, South Africa, Russia and China.

Thomas Engineering founder Cameron Thomas said: “This exciting deal has come about for the mutual benefit of our two businesses and MDL customers throughout Canada and beyond.

“It will bring our business in Canada directly in line with MDL customer service and enables us to expand throughout Canada by gaining access to greater resources, more cash for investment and MDL’s global business contacts.”