Craftsmen: The Perfect Solution Providers

Q: How has Freemyer set its foothold in the Mexican oil and gas market?

A: Freemyer started as a service company in 1988. In 1996, we expanded to manufacturing the equipment used for our services. In 2000, we decided to sell our services division and focus on our core added value: the manufacturing of pumping equipment for hydraulic fracturing and cementing operations. We decided to enter the Mexican oil and gas market because of the significant business opportunities it represented. In 2006, we delivered our first seven units to the Mexican market, and those units are still operating and in excellent condition. This is thanks to the close follow-up we perform with our clients to ensure the equipment is up to daily requirements. We grow on a yearly basis in Mexico and have around 20 people in the country who speak the language, are certified to perform activities onshore and offshore and meet all the required safety criteria. Today, we have over 100 units in Mexico that are being used in both onshore and offshore operations.

Q: What sets Freemyer apart from other manufacturers of hydraulic fracturing and cementing equipment?

A: Freemyer holds many patented technologies and processes. Our patented blending processing unit will hit the market in 2018. One of our electronic systems, which is head and shoulders above any other in the industry, is also patented and included in all our units. Because we manufacture our patented designs, we can provide tailored products and solutions that better integrate any specific requirement our clients may have, making our products more durable so they require less maintenance. This translates into lower ownership costs, compared to the products offered by our competitors. In that sense, we think of ourselves as craftsmen who deliver the best equipment for fracturing and cementing.

Q: How can potential clients in Mexico be certain about the capabilities of your units?

A: We have delivered equipment in the North Sea and in the Persian Gulf under extreme conditions. This proves the excellent capabilities of our equipment. We have not found strong differences in the design requirements that are related to weather conditions while working in Mexico.

The only differences we have found are in the pressure and fluid flow associated with the Mexican formations, and this is why we design and manufacture in-house tailored solutions that will provide the customer with the highest benefit according to its specific requirements.

Q: How does Freemyer provide a superior post-sale service?

A: We are strongly committed to offering a simple post-sale service. After selling a product, we ensure that the customer is not only happy but confident and certain about how to operate it. It is not unusual for us to send up to five technicians to the location where the equipment will be delivered. They stay until the client feels safe enough to perform operations. This has been done in countries like Kazakhstan, Georgia, Russia and certainly in Mexico. To decrease costs, we have also developed a virtual training tool to help our customers use their equipment.

Q: What advantages are there in refurbishing equipment over building it from scratch?

A: Today, it is all about speed. Units must start producing as soon as possible. In that sense, often it is much faster and cheaper to refurbish a unit or piece of equipment than to build it from scratch. For those kinds of jobs, we have also become a partner of choice in the industry, especially due to the fact that the last downturn in oil prices brought a great deal of equipment to a standstill. But this is also an advantage as, now, it is only necessary to provide maintenance to bring the equipment up to an optimal operational stage. We can do this in short time frames for the benefit of our clients.

Q: How did Freemyer stay profitable during the downturn in oil prices?

A: While the downturn in oil prices did hit our profits, we were capable of adjusting accordingly to remain an important player. The fact that we do not like to borrow money but prefer to operate from our cash flow makes us a stronger company, capable of adapting with more flexibility to changes in oil prices. While many companies are still waiting for an increase in crude prices, we do not see it as necessary since our operations are still ongoing. If an increase in oil prices comes faster we will be happy, but if another downturn awaits, we will adapt.

Q: How can Mexico improve its oil and gas production with the help of US-based companies?

A: Mexico and the US are neighbors, and as such, we need to find ways of working together that will grow our economies and allow us both to become more successful. It is all about thinking like partners. One clear example of this is in the arena of unconventional resources, which are highly developed in the US but not in Mexico. US companies could very well help Mexico reach higher production if both countries allow for an easier trade of people and goods. In this sense, a positive renegotiation of NAFTA will have a strong impact.

Q: In that sense, how is Freemyer working to support the success of the Mexican oil and gas industry?

A: We focus on developing purpose-driven relationships and believe that these kinds of relationships are what Mexico needs to further strengthen its hydrocarbons industry.

Before accepting any job, we ask ourselves whether we will be able to support the company after the sale. Since our reputation depends on that, if the answer is no, we decide against the sale. Honesty and integrity are core values for us. They have allowed us to earn an excellent reputation and credibility across the industry. This is also the case in Mexico thanks to the hand-picked partners we have that share our values.

We want to continue growing in Mexico. In the US, we are among the Top 4 companies in terms of quality delivery. All our efforts will be directed toward manufacturing longer-lasting equipment that requires less maintenance and is more user-friendly for all our customers, be they in Mexico or anywhere in the world.