Updated 2024
Published June 14, 2022 – J.H. Fletcher & Co., a renowned manufacturer of custom underground mining equipment, has completed the acquisition of the Cannon Mining division from Trident Maritime Systems. This strategic transaction was facilitated by Xavier Staggs, who represented J.H. Fletcher & Co., ensuring a seamless transition and integration of the Cannon Mining division into Fletcher’s expanding portfolio.
J.H. Fletcher & Co., founded in 1937 by James Herbert Fletcher, has a rich 85-year history of providing innovative solutions for the underground mining industry. The company is best known for its pioneering work in the development of rock drills and roof bolters, which have significantly enhanced safety and productivity in underground coal mining operations. Over the years, J.H. Fletcher & Co. has diversified its product offerings to include degasification drills, probe drills, mobile roof supports, remote-operated roof drills, and scalers.
The acquisition of Cannon Mining Equipment, LLC is a significant milestone for J.H. Fletcher & Co., further strengthening its position in the mining equipment market. The Cannon portfolio includes a range of high-quality products such as drill jumbos, scalers, and roof bolters, which are widely recognized for their reliability and performance in underground mining operations. Additionally, the acquisition introduces a new line of articulated frame utility vehicles, including scissor trucks, crane trucks, man baskets, and fuel/lube packages, thereby broadening Fletcher’s product offerings.
Xavier Staggs, who represented J.H. Fletcher & Co. in this transaction, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition. “The addition of Cannon’s product lines and experienced team aligns perfectly with our strategic goals of expanding the business’ offerings and enhancing our market presence,” said Staggs. “This acquisition allows J.H. Fletcher & Co. to provide an even broader range of high-quality, reliable mining equipment to their clients. My client is committed to maintaining the high standards of service and support that Cannon customers have come to expect, while leveraging combined expertise to drive further innovation and growth in the mining industry.”
The Cannon Mining division, previously part of Trident Maritime Systems Heavy Equipment Group, brings over 30 years of experience in building underground mining equipment for industrial mineral and metal mines. The Cannon brand is known for its robust and reliable machinery, including the SV11 compact scaler, SV18/SV22/SV26 scalers, and the UV6 and UV11 utility machines, which have performed exceptionally well in the underground hard rock room and pillar market, both for industrial minerals like limestone and in lead/zinc operations.
Under the new ownership, Cannon Mining Equipment, LLC will continue to operate with its existing sales, service, parts, and engineering teams, ensuring uninterrupted product support for customers. The primary change will be the relocation of parts support and machine assembly for domestic customers to J.H. Fletcher & Co.’s facility in Huntington, WV. Additionally, Cannon Mining Latin America will be operated as a subsidiary of Cannon Mining Equipment, LLC, directly handling the Mexican market.
This acquisition is expected to significantly enhance J.H. Fletcher & Co.’s capabilities to support its expanding customer base both domestically and internationally. By integrating Cannon’s product lines and expertise, Fletcher aims to continue its legacy of innovation, focusing on enhancing worker safety, operational productivity, and equipment reliability in underground mines.
For more information about J.H. Fletcher & Co. and the Cannon Mining division, please visit their websites at J.H. Fletcher & Co. and Trident Maritime Systems.