100 years of drilling
DRILLING is in the Mannion family’s blood.
Mannion Drilling principal Jason Mannion is a fourth generation driller, and purchased the company from his father in 1999.
This year marks a century of Mannions in the drilling industry.
The company relocated to Gunnedah in 2011 from Inverell and currently employs a workforce of 32 crew members, largely recruited from the local labour market.
Mr Mannion said that he is committed to improving his company, and improving the lives of the people who work there.
“Mannion Drilling has developed a robust training program, developed and implemented in-house, in order to maximise skill development and retention,” he said.
“And, the company has a commitment to sustaining a 30pc benchmark for Aboriginal employment opportunities.”
Mannion puts a strong focus on safety and the health and wellbeing of crew members, and safely services some of the most remote and challenging areas of far and central west NSW.
Since relocating, Mannion Drilling has continued its investment in world-class equipment and now has nine rigs in operation.
It has expanded its workforce from six workers to 32, and has made a considerable investment in the shire’s industrial precinct with the construction of the Mannion Drilling administration office and workshop.
All of these investments will ensure the company is well equipped to support future growth and the next generation of Mannion drillers.
Mr Mannion said that his company’s point of difference was its unique size and structure that allows it to be big enough to get the job done, but small enough to provide the personal service bigger companies simply can’t.
“The company is large enough to provide clients with world-class equipment, expert technicians and operational management to oversee drill projects, and small enough to customise services to build meaningful, collaborative working relationships with clients and the local community,” he said.
“The story behind Mannion Drilling is one that is quite rare these days, and I take great pride in the fact that I have continued to grow our family business and reach goals that, frankly, were farfetched dreams as a young lad learning the trade alongside my father.”
As Mannion Drilling approaches its centenary, it brings a swathe of accolades with it.
The company was a finalist in the 2018 NSW state business awards, winner of the 2018 local business awards, and winner of the 2018 regional business awards.
“The history of our company provides me with the motivation to seek out excellence in every aspect of business operation to secure a promising future for generations of Mannion drillers to come,” Mr Mannion said.
“With our expanding scope of works and large asset projects, we are always on the lookout for high energy, innovative and experienced drillers and assistants to join our team.”