COTES PARK INDUSTRIAL ESTATE – MMD GROUP
by SLHS on
Saturday 9 November 2019
The MMD Group [Mining Machinery Development] was founded by Alan Potts. He was born in Yorkshire on 9 April 1937, the son of an executive of the mineworkers union. He started work at a local colliery and first went underground at the age of 16. Seeing his drive and enthusiasm for the mining industry the colliery manager agreed to Alan attending college on day release in order for him to complete his education. At the age of 22, Alan entered colliery management.
He became well-known in the coal industry for his innovative approach and expertise in mining and the National Coal Board approached him to help solve the problem of how to remove irregular and oversize pieces of coal from blocking conveyor belts and other machinery. Realising the potential he designed, developed and patented an in-line breaker for the UK coal industry and in 1978 founded Mining Machinery Development.
PHOTO: The MMD Group premises on the Cotes Park Industrial Estate
Over the coming years MMD designed innovative mineral sizers and other technology which was introduced throughout the coal industry in the UK. As the mining industry in this country diminished, MMD looked to export sales to drive their turnover, and much of their production began to be exported to countries all over the world. In 2004 they established a manufacturing plant in South Africa, followed by a further facility in China. They now have representation in many countries.
As well as founding MMD, Alan Potts, with his wife Ann, was also well-known in the horse racing business. The name of many of the horses they owned began with the word “Sizing …” after the name of the in-line breakers manufactured by his company. His horse “Sizing John” won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March 2017 and his stable won many other races. Alan died in November 2017, three months after his wife, but the company he founded is still operating on Cotes Park Lane.
Visit their website: www.mmdsizers.com