Founded in 1947 by Dan Varel, Sr. as Varel Manufacturing the company has been supplying drill bits to the mining, industrial, and oil and gas markets for over 60 years. The firm was a family owned business until 1998 when it was purchased in a management buy-in.
Under new leadership the new Varel acquired Walker McDonald, a well-known supplier of mining three cone bits. In addition the company embarked on the establishment of an oil and gas PDC business based on the acquisitions of both a small US PDC manufacturer, and the Crystal Profor Company in France. These acquisitions allowed Varel to not only aggressively enter the rapidly growing PDC market, but also to expand operations in the Eastern Hemisphere. A further acquisition was made of a significant drill bit sales and service organization in Canada, Pendemak Industries.
In 2008, Varel acquired Downhole Products (DHP), a leader in high end centralizers and reamer shoes. This acquisition led to the formation of a new holding company, Varel International Energy Services (VIES), the parent company of both DHP and Varel International. VIES is currently comprised of Varel Oil & Gas Drill Bits, Varel Mining and Industrial, and Downhole Products.
In 2014 VIES was purchased by Sandvik AB of Sweden. Recent organizational changes within Sandvik AB have moved VIES reporting to the Mining and Rock Technology team. This transition will allow Sandvik AB to consolidate and manage similar product offerings of Rock Tools and VIES under the same leadership team. VIES will continue to operate as a stand-alone company within the Sandvik Group.
VIES has grown to become a large supplier of mining and industrial drill bits, and a leading supplier of oil and gas drill bits, both roller cone and PDC worldwide.
VIES is headquartered in Carrollton, Texas and has manufacturing centers in Matamoros, Mexico; Kurgan, Russia and Tarbes, France. The company distributes roller cone products globally from an established distribution center in Brownsville, Texas. The company operates its Eastern Hemisphere operations and engineering from a center in Pau, France and through regional offices in Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur. Additionally the company has primary regional Mining operations in Booragoon, Western Australia, and Lima, Peru. VIES operates in over 60 countries around the globe and employs over 1000 experienced drill bit personnel.
VIES's manufacturing operations are certified to ISO 9001 and 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards. In addition the company's roller cone products are API certified.
As the company prepares for the future, we continue to evolve and grow to meet our customer’s needs. We are a customer focused company with an innovative team conducting business in a responsible manner with a passion to win.