Pub. 7 2017 Issue 2

17 MINING FOCUS FOR NEARLY 80 YEARS: SmartROC-series rigs. “Being an independent distributor has allowed us to build and maintain a fleet of drills for lease and rent.” Willeford states. Cate also works with Atlas Copco Finance to give new and existing customers the best finance or lease option. “Cate Drilling Solutions does not have to balance other mine and quarry production equipment, just drills.” The team can focus on the drills which is key to the numerous mining and drilling contractors in Utah. Operating Fleet While Cate Drilling Solutions has common fleets in Wyoming and Nevada, Utah presents a challenge as the market crosses every possible drilling method. This would include 3-inch top hammer drills up to 12 ¼ inch rotary blast hole rigs. The diverse fleet presents challenge in managing parts inventory, service technician’s skills and training. At each step the Utah team looks for synergies in the business to best service the Utah customers. No client wants to hear the part is in our other stocking locations, but we do everything to reduce delivery time. Cate also shares skill levels between its branches. “Not everyone can be a specialist, but these specialists which maybe in another branch, are just one phone call away” said Jake White, Utah Parts Manager. Field Service, Rebuild And Reman Shops Cate Drilling Solution’s has grown to fourteen field technicians with five being based in Utah. Seven technicians now man the Salt Lake City rebuild workshop and reman workshop. The Service team has doubled in the last 12 months. The growth is a response to the changes Cate Drilling Solutions made to meet expectations. Factory-trained Cate Drilling’s OEM-trained service technicians cover the complete Atlas Copco product line. “That means we CATE DRILLING continued on page 18