The Ortech story covers many decades.  The history goes back to the original invention of compressing agricultural fibre into boards.  The method was discovered in Sweden in 1933.  The product was called Stramit Board – Stramit being a derivative of the Swedish word for straw.  From 1933 to 1945 the original primitive invention was refined to produce a rough board that was mainly used for thermal insulation purposes in Sweden – roofs and walls.

In 1945 the Tomo trading Co Ltd headed by T.J Mosesson acquired from Sweden the Stramit Board manufacturing rights for the United Kingdom – British Stramit.

In 1953, John Hobart an Australian businessman, while on a visit to Europe, became interested in the process for manufacturing a board from wheat straw fibre.  John recognised the potential of the product.  Its properties of high thermal insulation, fire resistance and first class behaviour in conditions of high relative humidity – temperature, made it a very useful building component.

Founded as Smith & Hemenway Company, Inc. in 1872 in Hill, New Hampshire, our place in hardware history was established over 140 years ago with the production of several types of glass cutters, one of which, the "Woodward Wizard", was patented. This unique tool, with its tiny wheel for scoring glass, was among the first in the industry and could be used as a glass breaker, can opener, corkscrew, knife/scissor sharpener, and tack hammer. Because of the "Woodward Wizard" and other unique and dependable tools, our reputation for quality and reliability grew. During a buying trip to Sweden, the company's founder, Landon P. Smith, heard a blacksmith remark "those little red devils" after sparks from a forge singed his arm. The name stuck in Smith's mind and upon his return to the States he began to label many of the tools he sold with the RED DEVIL® trade name. By the late 19th century, do-it-yourselfers as well as professionals were depending on our top-performing products.

ro-Ex offers Quality Used, Rebuilt and Surplus New Parts and Components and Whole Equipment to the Mining and Heavy Construction Industry Worldwide.

Our facility includes 60,000 square feet of warehouse and shop space situated on 25 acres on Industrial Property. US Yard locations in Arizona/Kentucky.

We have on site Rebuild Facilities for Diesel Engines, Transmissions, Wheel Motors, Alternators, and DC and AC Electric Motors.

Sierra Equipment Company Inc. is a family held corporation established to meet the demands of commercial and industrial reutilization of equipment.

 

Since its inception in 1989, Sierra has served a variety of markets with a vast array of equipment, materials and services.

 

Our markets are as varied as the location of our customers.