There’s one day back in the 1990s that still haunts Paul Meyer, CEO of the Garland Chamber of Commerce. A memo came down from the former corporate owners of Epiroc Drilling Solutions: “Mining is our past, not our future.” Fast forward 30 years, and mining equipment manufacturing is a leading employer in Garland and continues to be an economic anchor for the community. Epiroc is one of Garland’s most advanced manufacturing operations and a global leader in surface mining automation.
The AEM Manufacturing Express was proud to be in Garland to see firsthand how Epiroc is modernizing the mining industry through automation, electrification, and data-driven tools. In 2024, the company opened its new Surface Mining Automation Center (SMAC) on the very site that almost marked the end of Garland’s role in the industry. What was once considered a relic of the town’s past is now fueling the future.
“I have extreme gratitude for all you do here,” Meyer told a crowd of Epiroc employees during the Manufacturing Express’s visit. “You are the driving force behind all that we accomplish.”
Epiroc’s Garland facility is solely dedicated to surface mining equipment, manufacturing several models in the company’s 5-series drill lineup—including the widely recognized Pit Viper rigs used on mine sites around the world. The facility also serves as a hub for innovation, where Epiroc continues to expand its fleet of autonomous surface drill rigs.
“We continue to lead the mining industry in automation, with roughly 130 fully autonomous machines designed, built, and tested right here in Garland,” said Dustin Penn, VP of Marketing at Epiroc. “And we’re not just building machines. We’re enabling our customers to drill smarter, work safer, and reduce environmental impact.”
In addition to innovation, the Garland team is focused on making a positive impact in the communities where they manufacture and operate. In just two years, Epiroc employees in Garland have raised over $100,000 for Water for All, the company’s global initiative to expand access to clean drinking water. Inside the plant, operations continue to prioritize sustainability. Recent upgrades have reduced emissions and introduced cleaner equipment throughout the facility.
Safety is another constant at Epiroc. From protocols on the factory floor to ground support tools that protect miners on the job, Epiroc’s focus on safety is visible around every factory corner and built into every product it designs.
Epiroc invests heavily in developing the workforce in Garland to ensure manufacturing continues to thrive in the community for generations to come. Through a partnership with Project SEARCH, the company hosts job training programs for local high school students with disabilities, helping prepare them for long-term careers.
“From our manufacturing and R&D facilities to our customer centers, we are deeply rooted in this community,” added Penn.
Epiroc is proof of the vitality and importance of the manufacturing industry to communities around Texas and the country. In Garland, the future is being built with automation, electrification, and opportunity at its core—all thanks to equipment manufacturing.
