National Oilwell Varco: 150 Years of Excellence in the Oil and Gas Industry

The story behind the success
"On the foundation of National and Oilwell, two steel company product groups were merged into a public company specializing in drilling rigs, mud pumps, and drawworks. The merge with Varco added brand leadership in topdrives, iron roughnecks, pipe-handling, solids control, and instrumentation. Hundreds of powerhouse leaders in all aspects of the modern drilling rig were built and developed into a world-class rig and equipment supplier. That model has expanded into acquiring and driving change models for business with solutions in the Wellbore Technologies and Completions & Production businesses" says CMO, David Reid. NOV is divided into three segments of, Rig Systems, which encompasses both land and offshore rig equipment and aftermarket parts; Wellbore Technologies, which contains the tools and systems used to excavate a well; and Completion & Production Solutions, which houses the company's well completions, stimulation, and production systems.
"Rig Systems builds and supports advanced pressure-control equipment, iron roughnecks, topdrives, control and advisory systems, and land rigs. Wellbore Technologies develops drill bits, downhole sensors and motors, drill pipe, fishing tools, coiled tubing tools, rotary steerable systems, managed pressure drilling equipment, fluids- and solids-control systems, and solutions in optimization and automation. Completion & Production Solutions engineers completion tools, fiberglass systems, intervention and stimulation equipment, process and flow technologies, and subsea production systems" explains Reid.
 Global Presence
NOV is operational in more than 65 countries with a significant presence in the Middle East, which includes manufacturing, repair, and service facilities in Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Oman, Egypt, Qatar, and Kuwait. "We build rigs and manufacture wellbore drilling, intervention, and production equipment. We also have tubular coating and fiberglass manufacturing facilities in the region. NOV's clients include virtually all the NOCs, IOCs, major and local service companies, and drilling contractors. Specific to the region, we have close technology relationships with the major NOCs, particularly when it relates to injecting new technology to help the local workforce improve their output potential. We believe that it is important to consider the effect project implementation will have on the environment and are committed to demonstrating effective environmental management practices."
"We strive to improve our technologies and processes so that we can focus on minimizing energy, fresh water and resource use, and waste generation. Green solutions are gaining traction due to a growing concern for the future of energy and an increased need to implement strategies that will guarantee lower long-term carbon emissions" he adds.
Innovating for the Future
Innovation is crucial for the oil and gas industry to move forward, particularly in the Middle East. NOV is deploying commercial solutions to overcome drilling, completions, intervention, and production challenges. New software solutions are being introduced that will enable rigs, drilling, completions, and production across the region to reach higher levels of performance. Uptime-focused, performance-enhancing software is an emerging specialty NOV is bringing to its partners.
"We are also pioneering the use of broadband-like communications while drilling that can decrease risk, increase efficiency, and deliver more cost-effective wells. It is a bright future. We've invested in the hardware used to drill and produce, aligning our interests with the goals of the region to deliver the lowest-cost access to hydrocarbons while making better working environments and safer installations for the countries we serve. The automation technologies we are bringing to the region enable and empower the people of the Middle East, lowering the barrier to entry and providing opportunities for local talent to affect change in the oil and gas industry" concludes Reid.