Founded in 1964, Becker has extensive expertise in connectivity and communications, and is the only worldwide supplier of complete energy, automation, communication, transportation, and infrastructure technology for the mining industry. As a market leader in its category, Becker prioritizes safety, productivity, and efficiency, using the best possible technologies to achieve optimal results in terms of both production and profitability.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dedicated to the development and application of mining, tunnelling, and oil and gas communications, Becker\u2019s Canadian operation, formerly known as Varis Mine Technology (Varis Mine), is headquartered in Sudbury, Ontario, close to some of Canada\u2019s most famous nickel-copper mines. Varis Mine was founded in 1997 but became part of Becker in 2006 and has since supported the company\u2019s sites in Canada and around the globe. By combining the group\u2019s global expertise with local roots in Canada\u2019s mining activities, the company delivers purpose-built technologies designed for the most demanding underground conditions.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Albert Bower, CEO of Becker Canada, joins us to expand on the story behind Varis Mine, its operations, and the vital role it plays in mining communications. \u201cVaris Mine operates independently from the wider Becker group on a day-to-day basis, but with long-term guidance and strategy from the head office in Germany,\u201d Albert opens. \u201cWhat\u2019s unique about Varis Mine is that each of our products is designed from the ground up for underground mining operations. Rather than adapting surface technologies for below-ground use, we focus on communications and purpose-built engineering to develop solutions that address underground conditions like dust, humidity, confined spaces, and vibration.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith a strong mechanical and electrical background, Becker\u2019s product offerings fall into six core divisions: energy distribution, communication, automation, haulage, infrastructure, and digital mine,\u201d he continues. \u201cAlthough we\u2019ve been automating mining operations for the last 20 years or so, we\u2019re not prone to boasting or publicizing our wins, meaning many people aren\u2019t aware of the innovation we\u2019ve brought to the industry. More recently, we\u2019re seeing a drive towards some kind of standardization with regards to the integration of technology, aimed at securing a more seamless implementation process.\u201d<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Moving on to Becker\u2019s network of facilities in Canada, Albert explains that the company has remained loyal to its home while expanding across the country. \u201cVaris Mine was founded in Sudbury, Ontario, and we\u2019ve remained headquartered in Sudbury ever since, now with a 19,000-square-foot facility for manufacturing, designing, and testing,\u201d he elaborates. \u201cWe export globally but we\u2019ve also expanded across Canada with operations in Montreal, Saskatoon, Newfoundland, and Alberta.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019re investing heavily in our facilities, and we\u2019re soon going to break ground on an additional site in Sudbury. This 33,000-square-foot site will not only allow us to expand our electric communications product line but also strengthen our focus on working with our clients to bring electrical safety components to the Canadian market.\u201d<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n With decades of bringing innovative technologies and concepts to the mining industry, new product development and R&D activities lie at the heart of Becker\u2019s approach to innovation. \u201cGenuine passion drives our commitment to innovation,\u201d Albert states. \u201cWe\u2019re a safety-oriented engineering company; we\u2019re not trying to \u2018reinvent the wheel\u2019 for the sake of making a product faster or more aesthetically pleasing, but rather to solve client problems. We have an excellent sales team who speak with our clients on a day-to-day basis to understand their current issues. However, it\u2019s important that we approach new product development with a long-term view to ensure the product not only solves today\u2019s problems but also those further down the line.\u201d<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n As our conversation continues, talk turns to the challenges currently faced by both Becker and the wider mining industry. \u201cOne of our biggest tasks is not only finding, but also retaining talented people,\u201d Albert explains. \u201cOur location in Sudbury is somewhat remote, and we can sometimes struggle to find local people. We\u2019ve found that training people is often a better option than trying to find seasoned people, so we don\u2019t recruit from a specific group or demographic. Training our own people also means we can better control their learning and development, ensuring they become knowledgeable employees that champion the company moving forward.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n![\"Albert](\"https:\/\/manufacturing-today.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/02\/Becker-244-body-image-1.jpg\")
Varis Mine<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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