Orbit Garant Drilling was created on January 31, 2007 by the merger of two leading diamond drilling companies: Orbit Drilling (“Orbit”) and Garant Brothers Diamond Drilling (“Garant”). Orbit and Garant each enjoyed solid reputations and were among the most prominent Canadian operators in diamond drilling. The philosophy, orientation and values of both companies are well matched.

The merger of Orbit and Garant to form Orbit Garant Drilling creates a solid base for growth and expansion. The company is in an excellent position to meet the needs of its clients and intends to continue its efforts to be at the forefront of quality, value and customer satisfaction.

History of Garant Brothers Diamond Drilling

Established in 1985 by brothers Jean and Robert Garant, Garant Brothers Diamond Drilling created for itself an enviable position in the drilling industry. The Garant brothers sold their company to Michel Mathieu and Maurice Groleau in 1994. At this time, Michel Mathieu, son of an experienced miner and businessman, was the owner of several successful companies and had the advantage of an important network of contacts in the mining industry.

In order to meet market demands and to promote the expansion of their company, the new owners specialized in underground diamond drilling services. The strategy yielded excellent results: between 1994 and 2006, they grew from fifteen to over fifty drills in operation. The company earned an excellent reputation in the Canadian market and grew to become one of the largest underground drillers in Canada.

History of Orbit Drilling

It was in 1986 that brothers Pierre and Bernard Alexandre founded Orbit Drilling to provide surface and underground diamond drilling services to mining companies. Both Pierre and Bernard entered the drilling business at age sixteen, and had each accumulated over twelve years’ experience when they started Orbit. In 1988, two years after the award of their first contract, the two brothers signed three new, major contracts. From then on, the Orbit Drilling company was established as an important player in the diamond drilling industry.

The strength of the market in the first half of the 1990s allowed Orbit Drilling to expand internationally. The success the company was having, as well as the ambition of the Alexandre brothers to offer the most complete services possible, led them to create a research and development department to improve equipment and services. From this department emerged, in 1994, the first Orbit drill, which represented a significant turning point in the history of the company. Indeed, the development and use of these drills made an undeniable contribution to the reputation of Orbit Drilling in terms of performance, trustworthiness and adaptability of both the company and its equipment. The manufacturing and servicing of its surface and underground rigs are performed today at its subsidiary Soudure Royale Concept.

Between 1986 and 2006, the company went from three to over fifty drills in operation. The know-how of Orbit Drilling, together with its achievements, propelled it to its unique and enviable position in the Canadian and South American markets.

Orbit and Garant Merge

On January 31, 2007, Orbit Drilling and Garant Bros. Drilling merged to form one of the largest surface and underground drilling companies in Canada. The combination of the two companies has enabled them to consolidate their resources and provide better service to their customers.