Michael Close continues his series of conversations with our valued national supporters, exploring their commitment to the quarrying sector and their partnership with the IQA.
Michael Close: Bridgestone Mining Solutions Australia has recently expanded its support from branch sponsorship to becoming a national partner. What motivated Bridgestone to take this next step with the IQA?
Andy Davies, BMSA sales director: We’ve been proud to support the IQA through local branch events for several years, and that involvement has given us a real appreciation for the value the Institute brings to the sector. Becoming a national sponsor felt like a natural progression – it allows us to contribute more broadly and connect with quarrying professionals across the country.
Our business has always been built around long-term partnerships, and the IQA’s focus on education, safety, and professional growth aligns perfectly with our values. It’s about investing in the people who make this sector strong.
Close: Bridgestone Mining Solutions has been part of the Australian landscape for over 40 years. How has that experience shaped your approach to supporting quarrying and mining operations?
Davies: Experience has shown us that every operation is different, but the fundamentals of safety, efficiency, and reliability are always the same. When we started selling directly to customers in 1981, it gave us a unique understanding of what was happening on the ground – the challenges operators face and the practical support they need.
Today, that understanding drives everything we do. We’ve grown beyond supplying tyres to providing integrated solutions – including wheels, hydraulic hoses, rubber tracks, on-site and off-site maintenance, tyre repair, and wheel repair. Our goal is to help operators keep their sites running safely and productively, day in and day out.
Close: What do you see as the key priorities for the quarrying sector in the years ahead?
Davies: The sector is evolving quickly, and technology is playing a big role in improving safety, sustainability, and performance. There’s also a strong focus on developing people – ensuring the next generation of quarry professionals have the skills and confidence to work safely and efficiently.
That’s something we’re passionate about at Bridgestone. We believe training and capability-building go hand in hand with innovation, and it’s where our values really align with the IQA’s purpose.
Close: What are you most looking forward to through this new national partnership?
Davies: The opportunity to connect with a wider network and continue learning from others in the sector. The IQA brings together such a diverse and knowledgeable community, and we’re excited to be part of that conversation on a national scale.
We see this partnership as a way to give back to the sector that’s supported us for more than four decades – to share what we’ve learned and play a part in shaping a strong, sustainable future for quarrying in Australia.
Michael Close, FIQ
President
Institute of Quarrying Australia
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