Purchase Confirms Company’s Reentry into Australia
Photo Credit: Venture Magazine
With a welcome return to drilling operations down under, Major Drilling begins a new chapter of Australian drilling through its acquisition of McKay Drilling, a leading specialized drilling company based in Perth. Major Drilling will operate in Australia under the McKay Drilling name. As of June 1, 2021, all of the issued and outstanding shares of the privately-held company are now part of Major Drilling Group International Inc. (TSX:MDI).
Major Drilling first entered the Australian market as part of its international expansion of the 1990s and operated on the east coast for over 17 years until its closure in 2014. The McKay acquisition represents a welcome reentry into Australia.
“We always hoped for a return to Australia when the times and conditions were right,” J.R. Davies, Major Drilling VP Operations – Australasia, said. “Now, with McKay’s expertise in specialized drilling, especially RC drilling, their high-end equipment and innovation in the industry will be a great asset moving forward.”
Mark McKay, Managing Director and Founder of McKay Drilling, agrees. “Major Drilling is a great fit for McKay in terms of capabilities, values, and culture, and I am looking forward to seeing our team grow to new heights together.”
The McKay Drilling purchase adds 20 innovative, late-model rigs to the Major Drilling fleet, now totaling well over 600 drills. The addition of more than 200 McKay Drilling employees increases Major Drilling’s global workforce to more than 3,300.
Mark McKay established McKay Drilling in 1990. Prioritizing innovation and safety, he was the first person to set up a hands-free rod handling system in Australia. Photo credit: Venture Magazine.
J.R. Davies, Major Drilling VP Operations – Australasia
Davies said after 32 years in the Drilling Industry it’s great to be returning to Perth and making Mckay Drilling part of the team. “I have known about McKay for many years and have always considered them to offer the best rigs, equipment, innovation and service to the drilling industry in Western Australia.”
For several months Davies has communicated and worked with McKay senior management and observed their dedication to meeting client needs with equipment, crews and ongoing innovation to be at the forefront of the industry.
“I look forward to working together for the overall benefit of both Major and McKay.”
On May 17, 2021, Major Drilling welcomed McKay Drilling and employees to the Major Drilling team through various social media channels.
This high capacity 2015 T685WS Schramm drill with Sandvik DA554 rod handler, is part of the late-model, powerful and innovative McKay Drilling fleet.
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