Tunnelling firm buys component company

German-based mechanised tunnelling firm Herrenknecht has bought Schäfer & Urbach, a manufacturer of system and high-pressure technology.

High-pressure piston pumps manufactured by Schäfer & Urbach are used in Herrenknecht's HDD method (Horizontal Directional Drilling) and in deep drilling rigs from Herrenknecht Vertical.

In deep drilling rigs by Herrenknecht Vertical - used in the exploration of oil and gas deposits on- and offshore as well as in tapping geothermal energy - Schäfer & Urbach mud pumps represent key core components, especially in achieving bore hole safety.

Herrenknecht said that the acquisition of Schäfer & Urbach would now enable it to rely on its own competence in this key component area.