IDE shutters rig construction business to focus on power, controls
Integrated Drilling Equipment (IDE) announced today it has exited the rig construction business to focus on the power and control solutions business. The company will once again operate under the name Integrated Electrical Control Systems (IEC Systems).
“The segment of our business that has proven its resiliency, even in this downturn, has been our power and controls business,” explained Jim Terry, CEO of IDE Holdings Corp. “The most astute drilling contractors realize they won’t be participants in the rebound if they don’t upgrade their drilling rigs with the power and control systems E&P companies demand to help them gain the efficiencies and increased safety that will be more important than ever when commodity prices begin to rise.
“When every available rig had a job, it took discipline for drilling contractors to take a rig out of service to replace out-of-date technology that diminished the opportunities for and value of those assets,” Mr Terry continued. “But the market data clearly shows the positive trend to replace outdated technology. We see that trend continuing, especially as contractors have a window of opportunity to make sure their equipment will be competitive and command the highest possible dayrates when drilling activity increases – and demonstrate to their shareholders that they are prepared to be the winners in this cycle.”
IEC Systems’ revised growth strategy builds upon its core competencies of providing safe and robust automated control systems, variable frequency drives and hydraulic power/control solutions. The company asserts that such rig upgrades typically command increased dayrates of up to 45%, with payback for the contractor often achieved in less than a year.
According to market data presented at the Barclays CEO Energy-Power Conference this month, newer-technology AC- powered land rigs constituted only 15% of the fleet in 2008. That has shifted significantly in 2015, but 47% of the active land fleet is not technically competitive with AC-powered rigs, so it is believed that significant opportunity exists not only for land rig upgrades but also for offshore rig efficiency improvements.
To enable a focus on its power and controls business, the company exited the drilling rig fabrication business.
“It’s never pleasant to make the difficult decision to reduce workforce or depart a business that no longer supports long-term success,” Mr Terry said. “But we believe this decision has the most integrity for us and those we serve. Ultimately, this move allows IEC Systems to preserve the ability to innovate technologies, as well as continue to provide service and support long after the retrofit is complete – something our customers tell us they have a difficult time finding. Further, there is a great deal of rig yard capacity available today, so removing our yard from the competitive set also allows us to send business to yards that will bend over backwards to ensure we and our customers have an exceptional experience. It’s a win-win strategy the industry needs now.”
