Varel International Expands Manufacturing Center in Matamoros
(DALLAS - 01 July 2009) - Varel International has expanded the company's current roller cone manufacturing facility in Matamoros, Mexico, through the addition of a new state-of-the-art tungsten carbide insert production facility.
The new facility produces high quality sintered hot isostatic press parts using ready to press tungsten carbide powders blended to Varel's specifications. The new facility is also able to process parts using the company's patented High Energy TumblingTM (HET) procedure which has been proven to increase both the wear resistance and toughness of tungsten carbide inserts.
Varel Roller Cone Vice President Chris Byrd said the expansion was a perfect fit for the thriving Matamoros facility.
"Varel has been operating in Matamoros for more than 30 years. As one of the leading employers in the area we benefit from the highly skilled and experienced employees who already produce reliable products," Byrd said.
He continued, "We have made great strides in creating efficiencies and maintaining quality in our Matamoros facility. The integration of the tungsten carbide production facility into the roller cone manufacturing plant is the next logical step in the implementation of world class lean manufacturing, which we began at Varel in 2005."
The new production capability inside the existing facility has led to reduced lead times in roller cone production by approximately 100 percent. The Matamoros location boasts a 50 percent increase in maximum production capacity compared to the previous carbide insert production facility. The installation also includes a full tooling production shop allowing the company to fabricate and produce components for new designs more quickly than previous methods.
Inserts produced by this facility are for use in tungsten carbide insert roller cone bits which are designed and manufactured by Varel for the oil and gas and the mining and industrial markets.
About Varel International
Founded in 1947, Varel International is the world's largest independent supplier in the global oil & gas drill bit market. Headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, Varel services oil & gas, mining, and industrial markets with its comprehensive suite of roller cone and fixed cutter drill bits. The company employs more than 1,000 people and has manufacturing facilities in Carrollton, Texas; Houston, Texas; Matamoros, Mexico and Tarbes, France, as well as sales offices throughout the world. Varel's proprietary design capabilities, efficient manufacturing, and global sales force uniquely positions the company to provide high-quality drill bits that deliver excellent performance and value to its customer base. For more information, visit http://www.varelintl.com/.
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