Dyno Nobel, AECI to form electronic detonator joint venture

Pit & Quarry, Feb, 2004

AECI Ltd. of South Africa and Dyno Nobel ASA of Norway have agreed to form a 50/50 joint venture company, DetNet International. Christopher Whitehouse, the current managing director of DetNet Solutions Ltd., will be named the CEO for the new entity.

DetNet International will acquire all the existing electronic detonator systems, technologies and associated assets of both parties. "The joint venture with AECI supports the Dyno Nobel vision of being the world's leading commercial explosives company, with particular emphasis on technical leadership in initiation systems and explosives products," says Dyno Nobel President and CEO Dag Mejdell.

"Following our merger with Ensign-Bickford Co. earlier this year, the joint venture with AECI is a major strategic step, which will have a direct impact on our customers' performance," Mejdell says.