As a relatively small company, manager Ralf Kiesow tells Trenchless Australasia that Prime Drilling’s presence on an international scale has contributed to its growing HDD rig manufacturing, with the company locking in 25 rigs.
“We are off to a great start for 2022 so far as it appears most of our order books are almost full for this year, which usually at this time is only six months booked in advance,” he says.
Kiesow says most of its customers are long-standing buyers who have had Prime Drilling rigs in the past and are happy with the quality.
Using high-quality materials to develop a low-maintenance, robust and reliable drilling rigs with an above-average service life, Kiesow says this is a result of the company’s profound know-how in drilling technique, and high production quality.
“These are the outstanding benefits for our customers and the pillars of our company´s success,” he says. “All the rigs we have built to date are still running today. If you have a rig for 20 years and it is still running, then you know it is high-quality and that is what we ensure our rigs are. They are reliable and customers will always come back if that is the case.”
Despite the growing success the company has install for 2022, Kiesow says a number of challenges are still thrown its way, especially issues with the supply chain of parts for rigs.
However, Prime Drilling has large storage areas and can react quickly, efficiently and flexibly to customers’ wishes to ensure they can source equipment when required. Offering a comprehensive after-sales service, its customers can easily procure spare parts on the local market and carry out necessary repairs by themselves.
“Luckily, we have a big stock and what we are trying to do is that every rig we produce we use the components we have already, so we don’t have to wait on parts,” Kiesow says. “But on the other side, the electric rigs we build are new technology and the demand of our customers is changing every week. As a result, we need new components to match their desire, which can sometimes lead to delays.”
With a commitment to staying on track and ensuring customers get their rigs on time, Prime Drilling’s production team has over 20 years’ experience, ensuring the customers’ needs are met.
Kiesow says the production team has been there since the company was founded and feel that it is their company too and will do whatever it takes to ensure production of rigs gets back on track.
During its 25 years of work, Prime Drilling has enhanced its design team, employing 10 designers in the company.
“We encourage our customers to come with a wish list when buying a rig,” he says. “If a customer comes up with an idea or change for their rig, we go straight to the designer. Due to the company not being too big, the customer is able to speak directly with the designer.
“The next step is we come up with a drawing, send it to the customer, they review it and suggest changes. We ensure the designer and client have close contact and the plans don’t have to go through different sections. That is something our clients really appreciate.”
For more information visit: https://www.prime-drilling.de/en/