Varel International Expands Sales and Service in Rocky Mountain Region

(DENVER - 09 June 2009) - Varel International announced that the company has recently opened a new regional sales office and a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bit service center dedicated to the Rocky Mountain Region of the United States. The sales and service center is located in Denver, Colo.

The new office houses field engineers and technical sales personnel assigned to operations in the region. The facility also includes 3,000 square feet of floor space for the PDC service center. The center has the capacity to service up to 350 PDC drill bits a month and is fully equipped with state-of-the art equipment and trained personnel to ensure quality and efficiency.

Jim Dahlem, Regional Manager - Rockies Region, explained the benefits of the new facility, pointing out the improved response time for Varel customers. "Once a bit is run, it can be quickly returned to Denver for evaluation and service. This also allows a swifter flow of information to our customers as to any issues relating to the operating practices or bit design that may affect bit performance," said Dahlem.

The location of the facility affords Varel the opportunity to service product and return it to the field in just days. As a result of the reduced service time, the company is better able to manage its fleet of bits, improving availability to customers.

William Burton, Vice President - Western Hemisphere, echoed Dahlem while also noting the importance of the center to Varel field staff. "There is also a great benefit derived in all employees being able to see and evaluate each bit after its run. Technical sales personnel are able to better understand the dulling conditions and keep our customers more informed about the bit's performance since they can be present to evaluate its condition prior to servicing. It also enables field personnel and service center staff an opportunity to develop new solutions together." said Burton.

In addition to the location of the sales and service center creating efficiencies, the service floor itself also lends to organizational excellence. Flow on the floor was arranged adhering to lean principles with product following through production as efficiently as possible. This assists with reduced cycle time.

Varel International also operates PDC service centers in Houston, Texas; Carrollton, Texas; Edmonton, AB Canada; and Tarbes, France.

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 www.varelintl.com.

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