As 2016 comes to an end, we would like to take this opportunity to share a few highlights from the past year and make you aware of some exciting, new developments planned for 2017.
Sales: Despite continued headwinds in the mining and energy sectors, we were pleased to serve the geophysical equipment needs of customers in 45 nations in 2016, including 60 new customers. Our international sales partners again played a vital role in our success. Special recognition goes to our top-selling sales reps for 2016: Laurel Industrial (China), Al-Hazzazi Global Technologies (Saudi Arabia), C&H (Korea), and Terraplus (Canada).
New Product Developments: There were several new product introductions in 2016, as well as engineering improvements to existing products. Among the new products was a 32mm diameter natural gamma probe, which can also be configured to carry a small radioactive source for 4-pi CPS density measurements, useful in mining, non-destructive highway pile testing, and obtaining soil / lithology profiles inside geo push-tubes. We also extended our winch range with the addition of the WFA truck-mounted winch, featuring a 2-Hp motor for heavier tool stacks and deeper boreholes. Several products were also re-engineered to improve ease-of-use and reliability, including the Heat Pulse Flowmeter, Fluid Sampler, and the portable MX and Mini winch series.
What’s Next: We will soon be releasing an innovative new truck-mounted winch, spooled with 2500 meters of 3/16” (4.72mm) 4-conductor geophysical wireline. This unique winch is servo-driven, features a touch-screen user interface, and includes fail-safe programming. Another product soon to be launched is the SCOUT data logger. Whereas MATRIX was designed to accommodate a wide variety of tools, SCOUT is designed for our latest line of QL (stackable) tools and is optimized for use with the 2nd generation acoustic and optical televiewers. Another exciting project under development is a probe employing Spectral Induced Polarization (SIP), which promises indirect determination of hydraulic conductivity, effective porosity, and other properties.
New WellCAD™ Release: WellCAD™ 5.2 is due to be released in early 2017. This version of ALT’s industry-leading software features an improved cased hole workspace, a new workspace for NMR data, and a Print Manager that allows the combination of multiple borehole documents in a continuous plot. Other WellCAD 5.2 improvements include a unit converter, color classification and automated depth shifting options.
More Rental Equipment: We increased the size of our rental pool this past year to provide new options and more flexibility for our customers. Among the new additions was a portable, dual-view borehole camera system, perfect for water well inspection, finding lost tools, or analyzing borehole formations to 300 meters (1000-ft). Not only do we have the most extensive range of rental equipment, but we also offer expert assistance to ensure your success. After all, nobody knows the equipment like the manufacturer!
Delivery and Support Improvements: Since 2014, Mount Sopris has been implementing world-class supply chain and manufacturing practices aimed at reducing delivery lead-times. Good progress was made in 2016, with average lead-times down by 50%. To further strengthen our best-in-class customer support, we introduced a web-based helpdesk software to ensure customers get timely, expert assistance – no matter where they are in the world.
Newsletter and Online Store: If you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our newsletter to be the first to know about new product developments and offers, firmware updates, industry events, and company news. And while you are there, be sure to check out our new online store, where you can quickly and easily purchase replacement parts, accessories, and WellCAD software.
As always, we sincerely appreciate your business and the trust this represents. On behalf of the entire Mount Sopris’ team, and please accept our best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2017!
