Tag Archives: borehole drilling

News

From Coalfields to the World Stage: A New Era of Expansion

A global leader in geophysical and petrophysical logging is preparing to expand into fresh international markets following a period of sustained growth.

Robertson Geo has entered its next stage of worldwide development after relocating to new headquarters in Conwy, further cementing its role as a leading exporter and authority in geophysical and petrophysical services.

With 95% of sales generated overseas and operations spanning more than 160 countries, the company oversees a network of over 25 approved agents, supported by bases in the USA and Hong Kong, and employs a 55-strong workforce.

Sales and Marketing Director Steve Parry, who has dedicated 45 years to the business, has witnessed its evolution from a local service provider into a global industry frontrunner.

“In the early days, we had to be adventurous, my boss gave me an atlas and told me to go sell,” said Steve, originally from Bangor.

“These days, exporters have numerous tools at their disposal, ranging from the internet and social media to webinars, government export initiatives, and even AI. Back in the day, before the internet and mobile phones, the primary source of information was the Yellow Pages!”

He continued: “Travelling all over the world I could find myself in the middle of nowhere in those early days, it was a risk. I’ve been shot at, stranded in deserts, and even lost a car in a flash flood, but it’s been an incredible journey from there to where we are now.”

Founded in the early 1980s to serve Britain’s coalfields, Robertson Geo soon expanded abroad, delivering projects in Indonesia, South Africa, New Zealand, and further afield.

By 1984, overseas clients began requesting to purchase the company’s own in-house designed equipment, triggering a pivot from services to product sales and fueling an export boom that continues today.

“Many UK exporters focus on Europe,” Steve said. “We decided to take on the world. From zero exports in 1984, we were selling to over 50 countries within a decade. Today, 98% of our equipment sales are international and we are looking to do more in emerging markets in central Asia and Africa.”

That worldwide success has been driven by long-term partnerships, trust, and strong face-to-face connections.

“Selling is the easy part,” Steve added. “Supporting customers globally and providing after-sales service is where it gets tough, and where we’ve really excelled.”

To strengthen its customer support and training offer, Robertson Geo is rolling out the RG Academy, a new global training programme that will operate from its Conwy base and be delivered internationally — beginning in the USA, Middle East, and Asia.

“We’re proud to bring clients from across the globe to North Wales,” said Steve.

“Our new headquarters marks the next chapter of growth, and Conwy will be at the heart of it.”

For more updates from Robertson Geo, visit Geotechnical – Robertson Geo | Wireline Borehole Logging.

News

Geo Firm Unveils State-of-the-Art UK Headquarters as Part of Global Growth Strategy

Robertson Geo, a global leader in borehole geophysics technology, has officially opened its new UK headquarters at Tre Morfa Enterprise Park in Conwy. This strategic move consolidates its previous operations in Deganwy and Llandudno into one modern facility and marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued expansion.

The award-winning business, which operates in over 160 countries and maintains additional bases in the United States and Hong Kong, has experienced sustained growth that prompted the need for a larger, more integrated facility.

The newly launched 20,500 square-foot headquarters boasts a purpose-built manufacturing space, contemporary office areas, a dedicated training hub, and a world-class calibration centre. Designed to set new industry standards, these facilities will support key markets such as renewables, geotechnical, offshore wind, mining, energy, and environmental sectors.

Architecturally, the interior design reflects both Japanese and Welsh influences. Features include Bonsai trees, slate from local quarries, a Kaizen ‘ideas wall,’ and numerous bespoke elements that blend industrial function with modern aesthetic sensibilities.

The expansion also includes future plans to grow the Robertson Geo Services team further within the enterprise park, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to North Wales.

At the official launch event, Managing Director Simon Garantini welcomed partners, staff, and dignitaries:
“It’s emotional leaving our previous premises after more than 45 years, but this move marks the start of an exciting new chapter. The new headquarters gives us the space and facilities to realise our ambitions, collaborate more effectively, and continue innovating at the forefront of our industry. Our team has grown, international demand is increasing — especially in the US and Asia — and we’re now well-positioned to steadily double both our headcount and sales revenue.”

The facility will also house the newly established RG Academy, a global training centre designed to deliver bespoke programmes and attract delegates from the borehole geophysical and petrophysical logging industries worldwide.

Distinguished guests at the event included Cllr Emily Owen, Deputy Leader of Conwy County Council; Bangor Aberconwy MP Claire Hughes; and senior figures from OYO Corporation of Japan, Robertson Geo’s majority shareholder.

During the event, Hirofumi Amano, President and CEO of OYO Corporation, presented Garantini with a framed print of The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai, saying:
“This is a very big, beautiful building and will be a wonderful place to work for everyone at Robertson Geo. The picture we presented is a symbol of this company – how the crew and the boat will sail into the blue ocean and expand their horizons. We look forward to visiting again soon.”

MP Claire Hughes praised the company’s local commitment:
“This is a hugely impressive development for the area and a great example of a business with global reach choosing to invest in North Wales. With the company creating highly skilled jobs, exporting worldwide, and now training the next generation here in Conwy, it’s a win for the whole region. That it coincides with the Year of Wales and Japan makes it even more special.”

Cllr Owen added:
“This is really exciting for the area. To have a company making such strides globally and choosing to remain rooted in Conwy is fantastic – it’s creating skilled jobs, supporting our economy, and flying the flag for Wales.”

Emily Gleaves, Director of Abundant Properties, who oversaw the build with MD Interior Fitout Specialists, commented:
“This was a real partnership project from day one, and we’re proud of the result. The feedback has been amazing, it’s a building that reflects Robertson Geo’s identity and gives its people a space to thrive. The way the staff in particular have embraced it and the looks on their faces when they saw the finished article was a great feeling.”

Renewable Energy News

ROBERTSON GEO Delivers Critical Data for Landmark £1.5bn Hydroelectric Project

ROBERTSON GEO has played a key role in supporting a £1.5 billion hydroelectric scheme by delivering crucial geotechnical data.

The Coire Glas project, located on the shores of Loch Lochy near Inverness, is set to become the UK’s first hydro storage project of its scale since the construction of Dinorwig Power Station in the 1980s.

Contracted by Strabag UK Ltd, the Conwy-based specialist in borehole geophysical and petrophysical logging technologies was tasked with conducting an in-depth ground investigation for the ambitious development, led by energy company SSE Renewables.

With a potential generation capacity of up to 1300MW, Coire Glas could supply electricity to as many as three million homes within minutes of activation.

Simon Garantini, Managing Director of Robertson GEO, which also operates in the US and Hong Kong, explained that the company deployed an array of geophysical probes inside an exploratory tunnel more than one kilometre long and 700 metres deep.

A technically demanding operation, the project required the use of equipment and techniques never previously employed by the team, including a 2,000m winch housed in a safety cage.

“The exploratory work being undertaken for Coire Glas is among the most extensive ground investigations of its time, collecting and analysing a huge volume of geotechnical data before construction begins,” said Simon.

“The comprehensive scope of the ground investigation is not least required due to the site’s proximity to the Great Glen fault line, which is visible from outer space.

“The geotechnical data will observe ground conditions to inform on the potential risks and challenges posed to a successful delivery of the project, so this was a hugely important task, pivotal to them moving forward.”

The tunnel featured three “galleries” from which a network of long, near-horizontal and angled boreholes were drilled, along with shorter “televiewer” boreholes used for imaging, stress testing, and deformability analysis.

The demanding schedule saw operations running 24/7, with two engineering teams working in alternating 12-hour shifts.

“Logistics underground could be difficult with equipment needing to be moved around underground whilst many other tasks were occurring simultaneously,” said Simon.

“The most challenging aspect of the logging operation was the development and deployment of a ‘push’ system to place logging tools in horizontal boreholes.

“Our team has considerable experience in using them on horizontal boreholes up to about 40m in length. However, these were up to around 280m so the magnitude of the task could not be underestimated.”

He continued: “There were other challenges – notably in designing a push system for the raised boreholes up to 22m in length – but a manual arrangement using customised tubular push rods was engineered, which worked successfully.

“The work environment was noisy at times with the inevitable dripping water on sensitive equipment such as laptops, though together we resolved all these issues.

“The geophysical logging campaign we undertook formed a vital component of the overall ground investigation, providing high-quality calibrated data, not attainable by other means, at centimetre resolution in the boreholes.”

Operating in more than 160 countries and supported by over 25 approved agents, Robertson GEO continues to deliver geophysical services and manage borehole logging equipment rentals worldwide.

For more information, visit their website: Geotechnical – Robertson Geo | Wireline Borehole Logging.

4o
News

Geo logging giant unveils vision to double workforce and revenue following relocation

A GROUNDBREAKING global developer and provider of borehole geophysical and petrophysical logging technologies and services is moving to a new headquarters and planning further expansion.

Award-winning Robertson Geo will relocate from its sites in Deganwy and Llandudno to a new 20,500 square-foot building on Tre Morfa Enterprise Park, Conwy, following significant growth.

In addition to extensive manufacturing facilities, offices, meeting rooms, and a training hub, the base will be home to a world-class calibration facility, a “beacon of best practice” for the multiple sectors it operates in, including offshore wind, mining and minerals, geotechnical, renewables, water and environmental, and energy petrophysics.

They also plan to take up further rented space on the park for the firm’s expanding Robertson Geo Services operational team.

Managing Director Simon Garantini said the business – which also has locations in the US and Hong Kong – will be sorry to leave its existing premises after more than 45 years, but he and the 55-strong workforce are looking forward to the “next chapter”.

“We have outgrown our current facilities and would have moved earlier if not for the pandemic, but this is the right time and we aim to be in by the summer,” said Simon.

“Relocating to Conwy means our UK team will all be on one site, and the new base will set the standard for the industry.

“We have always been leaders in technology development, calibration, validation, and compliance, so this will further enhance our strengths and future-proof the organisation.

“It also means we will be in a position to steadily double our head count and sales revenue, which is up 15-20% year on year.”

He added: “It’s taken some time for us to get to this point, but we are pleased to start this next chapter and will be looking to take on more manufacturing and field operations staff this year to meet global demand for our Marine Geotechnics division, which is focused on offshore wind.”

With customers in 160+ countries and more than 25 approved agents, Robertson Geo provides ground investigation services and manages borehole logging equipment rentals worldwide.

As well as management of services and administration, the new base will be home to the firm’s design, manufacturing, sales and assembly staff.

Simon revealed it will also include the RG Academy, a world-leading training centre that will welcome people to North Wales for a range of bespoke courses.

“This is the perfect building to achieve our vision and capitalise on the opportunities we have in multiple arenas the world over,” he said.

“We do cover a broad range of sectors and have seen an increase in customers internationally, notably in the US and Asia, but also want to help develop and train the next generation of workers in these industries, which is why we continue to invest in our people and the latest, cutting-edge technology.

“It’s an exciting time for Robertson Geo, there is so much in the pipeline here in North Wales and especially on the international stage, so we’re looking forward to the future.”

For more news and information from Robertson Geo, visit the website Geotechnical – Robertson Geo | Wireline Borehole Logging.