Start-up company enhancing manufacturing capacity in Southeastern New Brunswick
June 8, 2015 – Penobsquis – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Advanced Heli Core Inc., a start-up company based in Sussex, has designed and manufactured a new drill rig, the Rhino, that will be used by oil sands exploration production companies in Alberta, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. The first prototype of the Rhino is currently undergoing initial testing in Dieppe where it was assembled, to ensure it is ready for live testing once it is transported to Alberta.
The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, joined Robin Fournier, President of Advanced Heli Core Inc., in Penobsquis today to make the announcement.
The Rhino is approximately one third the size of a conventional drill rig and can be set up on a small site in six hours. It is the first rig of its kind that, when disassembled, is small and light enough to be transported along with its crew to remote sites using a medium lift helicopter. This will enable year-round operations, an advantage in the oil sands exploration industry that currently operates in a three to four month timeframe.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, has provided a repayable contribution of $500,000 to help with project costs, which included engineering and design, rig structure and related equipment.
Quick Facts:
- The majority of the components of the rig were manufactured and assembled in Dieppe to ensure that each part fits as intended and is operational.
- A single Rhino rig will be capable of drilling 75 wells per year, compared to a typical rig, which has an operating range of 15-25 wells per year.
- The first rig is scheduled to be shipped by flatbed truck to Alberta in July where it will be tested onsite.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support companies such as Advanced Heli Core that are addressing real industry challenges. This prototype, once commercialized, will be a cost effective solution to accessing and preparing drilling sites year-round, giving companies in the oil sands exploration industry a significant advantage, all while increasing manufacturing capacity, creating good jobs, and stimulating the economy here in New Brunswick.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal
“Advanced Heli Core is happy to announce the commissioning of our Rhino prototype. Thanks to ACOA, Opportunities NB, and BDC, Advanced Heli Core is ramping up to commence drilling in the Alberta Oilsands as early as August. The support we have experienced in New Brunswick is better than anything we could have expected. I believe this is a great start to a mutually beneficial, long, productive future.”
- Robin Fournier, President, Advanced Heli Core Inc.
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Lisa Gautreau
Acting Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-471-1565
Jeffrey Kump
Chief Operating Officer
Advanced Heli Core Inc.
403-889-7334
