IDM to Build New Rig for Union Drilling

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Release

IDM to build new rig for Union Drilling using quick-move technologies with skidding capabilities.

HOUSTON, TX. (March 2008) – IDM Group, a Houston, Texas-based manufacturer of drilling systems, recently was awarded a construction contract from Union Drilling, Inc. to provide a 1600 horsepower AC QuickSilver™ drilling system. Upon delivery, expected in June of this year, the rig is slated for operations principally in Pennsylvania targeting the Marcellus Shale formation.

The QuickSilver drilling system is the latest innovation in quick-moving drilling rigs. Available in ratings of 1000hp, 1200hp and 1600hp, this innovative design allows the operator to be more competitive through economy of movement, safer operations and reduced rig-up/rig-down time. The QuickSilver is designed to rig down, then rig up on a new location (within 100 miles) in less than 48 hours. Elevated components are raised with hydraulic cylinders; no cranes are required.

According to Byron Dunn, IDM’s Chief Executive Officer, “In addition to employing IDM’s QuickSilver self-elevating, quick-move technologies, this rig has been designed to allow easy retrofitting of our QuickSkid™ drilling system. QuickSkid technology features the ability to reposition or “skid” the rig on an integrated rail track in single or bi-directional planes from the initial well to other positions along the skidding track. The skidding system eliminates the need for multiple rig moves where time and space are critical issues, especially in field development programs and where environmental considerations may limit operational access to specific locations.”

Christopher D. Strong, Union Drilling’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Union Drilling owns many of the largest rigs currently operating in the Appalachian Basin. We have a history of horizontally drilling the deeper formations in this area. Substantially more powerful rigs, like those we use in the Barnett Shale in Texas, may drill long horizontal sections in deeper formations more efficiently, but their design is not well-suited to the Northeast. Often, the cost of flattening uneven terrain for larger rig locations and time consuming rig moves due to infrastructure constraints – such as low bridge heights and weight limitations – can more than offset the advantages of having a larger rig. We have worked closely with the engineers at IDM to modify their standard quick-move drilling system, so that later we can accommodate skidding drilling applications as they arise. Coupling these two technologies will create a first-of-a-kind hybrid rig that we believe will be highly effective in the Appalachian Basin market."

IDM Group provides a unique alternative for drilling contractors seeking world-class drilling systems. The Company manufactures drilling rigs and integrated drilling systems from its 15-acre facility in Houston, Texas and large-scale manufacturing facilities in the Ukraine. Additionally, IDM provides design expertise from offices in Houston and the UK.

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Union Drilling, Inc., headquartered in Ft. Worth, Texas, provides contract land drilling services and equipment, primarily to natural gas producers, in the United States. Union Drilling currently owns and markets 71 rigs and specializes in unconventional drilling techniques.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Barry Olsen, Regional Sales Manager

IDM Group

11616 Galayda

Houston, Texas 77086

Phone: 281.447.9000

Email: [email protected]

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