About Us
Our Mission
To build on our world-class guidance reputation, expanding our tooling capabilities and international presence.
Backed by our diverse, globally positioned team that is committed to technical excellence.
World-Class HDD Guidance Built on Decades of Experience
Since our founding in 1998, Prime Horizontal has established a reputation in the market as an HDD guidance expert. What started as four engineers has grown into a multinational organisation spanning five international offices across the UK, the Netherlands, America, and Australia, with a team of over 55 people. Our offering has expanded beyond guidance into downhole tooling rental and sales, offering a complete HDD support system from pilot to product pipe.
Powering Projects for Nearly 3 Decades
475 Years Collective Field HDD Experience
55 Employees
25 Languages Spoken
20 Nationalities
4 Global Offices
Our Journey
Prime Horizontal is founded
Prime Horizontal and Vector Magnetics enter co-development agreement to commercialise ParaTrack
Prime Horizontal adds DDI Rock Reamer Hole Openers to the product range
Prime Horizontal introduces the ParaTrack-2 system
First planned underground intersect completed in Holland
Lo-Torque Hole Openers and Pressure While Drilling (PWD) tools added to the HDD portfolio
Prime Horizontal introduces the AC Beacon and expands the tooling fleet with Split Bit Hole Openers
Axial Magnet (PMR) Intersect completed
World record crossing length achieved (2,626m / 8,615ft)
World record intersect delivered (3,510m / 10,335ft)
First Coal Bed Methane (RMRS) project completed in Australia
Mud Motor rental and services added to the tooling fleet
Prime Horizontal Inc. established in the United States
New world record intersect achieved (3,925m / 12,880ft)
Innovative Freeze Hole Drilling projects completed using the ParaTrack system
Complex infrastructure projects delivered including Naples Underground and Hallandsås Tunnel
Introduction of the Gyro Module
Remote operations support launched for global HDD projects during the pandemic
World record HDD drilling elevation achieved (690m / 2,264ft)
First Gyro Module project completed in Australia
HDD support provided for Japan’s earthquake and tsunami observation network
Support provided for one of the world’s largest tidal energy projects in the Irish Sea
Parallel bores completed approximately 380m beneath one of the world’s busiest canals
Prime Horizontal celebrates its 25th anniversary
Prime Horizontal’s longest HDD intersect completed (4,102m / 13,458ft)
First-ever post-pipeline survey completed in Mexico
Split Bit Hole Openers added to the global tooling line-up
HDD record achieved for the shortest intersect (196.38m / 644.3ft)
Record-breaking post-pipeline surveys completed (1,388m / 4,554ft each)
Prime Horizontal completes Management Buyout (MBO) under new ownership structure
Our Leadership Team
Managing Partner & CEO
Simon Kench
| Simon began his career as a Guidance Engineer in 1995 and is one of Prime Horizontal’s original founders in 1998. His technical background, combined with his field- and management experience has played a central role in the company’s development. Simon is based alternately in the UK and the Netherlands. |
Nico Dekker
Managing Partner & CFO
| Nico started his career in 1984, building a strong foundation in finance, HR and organisational management. He joined Prime Horizontal in 2015 as Manager HR&D and has played a key role in strengthening the organisation and supporting its continued growth. Nico is based in the Netherlands. |
Patrick Murphy
Commercial Director
Michel Faas
Operations Director EMEA
Gabriel Cerqueira
Operations Manager Americas
Gary Bowen
Operations Director Asia Pacific
Life at Prime Horizontal
Our culture is built on embracing challenges, maintaining flexibility, and continuously improving across all aspects of the HDD and pipeline industry.
Our team combines international experience with a hands-on, field-driven mindset united by a shared commitment to delivering results that matter. Success at Prime Horizontal is powered by people who are hands-on, solution-focused, and committed to supporting projects from planning through to successful completion.
With decades of experience amongst our team members, we pride ourselves on our in-house training to deploy high-skilled engineers to projects worldwide.
If you're ready to be a part of a team that operates at the forefront of the industry, complete the form below.
Join our Team
Our engineers move fast and lead with expertise. If you think Prime Horizontal would be a good fit, submit your CV and our team will be in touch if your expertise matches an open position.
