Don MacLean grew up in mining towns in the Abitibi region of northern Quebec. He graduated from Acadia University and McGill University in 1959 with a degree in Mining Engineering. After graduation, he worked underground for International Nickel (INCO) when underground mining was transitioning from rail-based equipment to mobile equipment. After witnessing the issues workers faced, he recognized the need for a safer working environment. MacLean subsequently worked for Ingersol Rand in Montreal before moving to Thornbury and JMG Engineering. In 1973, he founded MacLean Engineering to develop innovative mobile equipment solutions to address a range of mining issues and improve worker safety. He revolutionized safety in the mining industry with the development of the Blockholer, Scissor Bolter and, more recently, battery operated bolters and equipment. MacLean Engineering celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023 and is now the world’s largest Canadian-based manufacturer of underground equipment with over 1,100 employees on four continents.