Our History

2007
GE Energy
October saw GE Energy complete the acquisition of Sondex to further expand its capability and expertise in Oil & Gas Drilling & Wireline technology. GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2006 revenue of $19 billion. The acquisition will expand the GE product portfolio and allow customers worldwide to benefit from the combined capabilities, capacity and resources of the two businesses.

2006
2006 was a very successful year and the group continued to increase market share. Acquisitions included: 

Applied Electronic Systems (AES).
In December the group announced the acquisition of AES known internationally as Applied Electronics Systems, an innovator in the design and manufacturing of electric Wireline tools and electronics. Providing a wide array of high quality downhole tools and services to the petroleum industry. A leader in designing downhole Wireline tools that can handle hostile drilling environments.

Since 1980, customers have relied on Applied Electronics for that "special tool" that will provide an added edge over competitors. Specialising in designing equipment to meet customer specifications, whether its one or one-hundred subs, AES build in a timely and cost effective manner ensuring that consistent product quality is maintained, which has led to a broad recognition for innovation and responsiveness. 

Ultima Labs Inc
In September Ultima Labs, Inc. is incorporated as the latest acquisition. Based in Houston, Texas; Ultima Labs is an engineering firm that complements the development capabilities of both the Drilling and Wireline divisions.

Ultima Labs was originally founded in 2000 and gathers a professional group of engineering expertise with over 100 years of knowledge in nuclear, sonic, electrical and NMR logging, for both wireline and LWD/MWD applications.

The Sondex Group has established global product support and regional distribution capability, with centres of excellence in the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada for the development and support of Wireline and Drilling products. Sales and Customer Support for all product lines is provided through a network of international offices.

Sondex Drilling Tools Inc (formerly known as Blue Star Tools Inc)
In July 2006 the group announced the acquisition of Blue Star Tools Inc. which was incorporated as Sondex Drilling Tools Inc. From their design and manufacturing facilities in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Sondex Drilling Tools Inc. provide fit for purpose directional drilling technology, experience, and industry focussed research and development.

With constant increases associated to the cost of drilling, oil and gas companies are looking for ways to reduce their exploration costs. 

Sondex Drilling Tools Inc. technology emphasizes on decreasing down-time, and simplifying the collection of valuable data, during directional and horizontal drilling resulting in optimized performance and reduced running cost.

Sondex Drilling Tools Inc. technology is complementary to the Geolink range of products and forms part of the Drilling Division business within the group.

2005
In April 2005 Wireline moved its Hampshire production, customer services and sales activities to a new facility in Blackbushe because of the need for more capacity to respond to rapid growth. The existing facility at Bramshill was retained as the principal R&D base.

Wireline market penetration and product line growth continues, with significant new customers and revenue growth. Further research and development has led to technology which can take Wireline into new, high potential, market sectors. Wireline has received funding from leading oil companies and the EU for certain of these developments.

2004
Geolink International Ltd
In June 2004 Sondex acquired Geolink International Ltd, a leading developer and manufacturer of Measurement While Drilling (MWD) and Logging While Drilling (LWD) equipment. Based in Aberdeen, Scotland Geolink was a well established company recognized for supplying quality tools and equipment. Following this acquisition, the Group was reorganised into two divisions: the Wireline Division, embracing the products and brand names of Sondex and CSS; and the Drilling Division, incorporating the interests and brand identity of Geolink.

In June 2003 Sondex was floated on the main market of the London Stock Exchange, and Sondex Wireline Ltd. was incorporated as the UK operating company for Sondex's downhole instrumentation activities.

In December 2003 Sondex acquired Computer Sonics Systems Inc (CSS), a Calgary-based developer and manufacturer of cement bond logging tools – products which complemented the existing Wireline product range. The cement bond logging tools have since been both enhanced in their capabilities and made fully compatible with other Sondex well integrity tools. As a result they can be operated simultaneously and in combination with all other Wireline equipment.

In October 2002 further Bank of Scotland finance enabled Bridgepoint Capital to exit the business.

In 1998 a new management team concluded a buy-out of Sondex backed by Bridgepoint Capital and Bank of Scotland as capital providers, which facilitated the founder’s retirement.

In 1995, driven by a market need for improvement in the understanding of casing conditions, Sondex introduced its first casing inspection product.