Two more Northern Ontario champions of industry have been inducted into Sudbury’s mining supply hall of fame, recognizing their hard work and leadership.
Bob Lipic, president and CEO of Mining Technologies International (MTI) and Don Rastall, founder and president of Rastall Corp., received their awards at the Sudbury Area Mining Service & Supply Association’s (SAMSSA) annual breakfast meeting November 28, 2008.
This is the second year for the award, which recognizes leaders who have built companies and created jobs in Northern Ontario’s mining industry.
"We wanted to do something that would recognize people in our industry who have done a good job," said SAMSSA’s executive director Dick DeStefano. "It is a fairly significant award because you’re in your own environment and industry, and you do get applauded by your own people. It has created a sense of community that we recognize hard work."
Hopefuls must be leaders from a Northern Ontario company who have contributed at least 25 years in management, sales or ownership within a mining supply and service company.
The most recent winners are two individuals who have built their companies from the ground up.
Bob Lipic has been the backbone behind his company’s growth, allowing his staff of 300 plus to better service the mining industry with an extensive variety of mining equipment and products. MTI has two plants in Sudbury and one in North Bay.
Lipic has been a recipient of two Northern Ontario Business awards, the Community Builders Award of Excellence and the Sudbury and District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence award. He also remains active at Northern College, MIRARCO and the Centre for the Commercialization of Mining Technologies and Services.
Don Rastall began Rastall Corp. in 1975 when his father-in-law sold Helpert’s Supply, a wholesaler and parts supply store, where Rastall had worked for 15 years.
Armed with his adjustable wrench and its secret metallurgy, he modestly started with $3,000 cash, an $8,000 bank loan and a 350-square foot space. Now he has 25,000 square feet of space, 32 employees and 94 distributors.
His three subsidiary companies: Nut and Bolt, Mine Supply and Tool Corp. supply the mining, forestry and construction industries all over the world. Rastall Corp.’s diversified product line, particularly the fasteners, has offset any harsh cyclical market impacts.
"In good times, they assemble new machines, and in bad times, they replace the bolts," he said.
By offering fair and competitive prices, Rastall has won large international contracts. At 72 years of age, he continues to lead his company and offers some valuable words of advice: "Always pay yourself first, have a plan, think, and look ahead. Look at your employees last when cutting costs and take care of your customers … service, service, service."
