To start, please tell us a bit about your background in the drilling industry.
AR: I started my career in the drilling industry with H&F Drilling Supplies as a consumable salesperson. H&F was subsequently bought by Atlas Copco, where I continued in sales before moving into a geotechnical project specialist role (global). I remained there for 11 years, after which I joined Numa in international sales covering Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia/Pacific.
WA: I started my career with Mining & Piling 28 years ago within the sheet piling sector; from there I progressed to foreman within the minipiling division of the company, covering all aspects of restricted-access applications. I then joined Van Elle as a site foreman with the specialist piling and drilling divisions, moving through many roles over 16 years to senior operations manager overseeing projects within the UK and overseas.
What prompted the launch of Stratum Drilling Solutions?
Based on our experience and diverse backgrounds within the drilling industry, it was clear to us that there was a gap in the market for a new company to offer a complete solution, as well as the service and support that the equipment requires.
Although there are many great products on the market, we believe that good service and support is what separates companies from the rest.
We had a very good working relationship for many years, and we thought as a partnership we could create a company that would cater to the requirements of our customers.
What will your product range for sale and rental cover?
Our range is really a complete solution, from fittings to drill rigs and all the consumables in between.
Our partners include Numa (which offers down-the-hole/DTH hammers, bits and overburden systems), Ripamonti (drill masts, rigs and dimension stone products), Italswiss (grouting equipment, packers and self-drilling anchors), Mitsubishi (top-hammer and overburden systems) EDC (casings, grouting equipment and augers), and Matex (environmentally friendly oils and greases).
We want to work together with the client to ensure the products they are using best suit the conditions and application.
The rental side will be mainly DTH, drill masts/rigs and grouting equipment; however, we will aim to provide what is required for the contract. The rental service will allow the customer to try before they buy, ensuring the equipment best suits their needs.
How have you chosen the partners you're working with?
We have both worked with and used each of these products over the course of our careers. These brands have the quality, support and backup that we require. We look for companies that share our desire for quality in both the equipment and support. In the future we aim to build upon this to help further expand our product portfolio.
What services are you offering?
Along with the single-source solution we offer site support and guidance for clients using our products. We also offer a full range of repair and service for consumables and our drilling rigs. These services can be carried out at our facility or on-site depending on the circumstances.
What will make Stratum Drilling Solutions stand out in the crowd?
Stratum not only offers market-leading products under one roof, but we believe the on-site support and guidance give the customer confidence with each purchase. Having used these products ourselves on many different projects around the world allows us to support our clients from the initial enquiry, right through to project completion.
