Robust and reliable rigs are essential products in the evolving modern drilling industry. The solutions have become more adaptable to geographical conditions. This wave of change became possible owing to the manufacturers who invested heavily in R&D and precision engineering, incorporating. PRD Rigs has established an impactful presence in the industry with its specialized solutions.
In this narrative, we are exploring the length and breadth of the company based on the conversation held with the CEO, Mr. Mithunraj Paranthaman. He conversed about how PRD Rigs has raised the bars of service standards in the industry while solidifying its dominance in the market in the last five decades. Shedding light on their vision, mission, values, journey, and impact, Mr. Mithunraj Paranthaman shared some lesser-known facts about the group.
The Inception of PRD Rigs
With strong and innovative leadership from Mr. T. P. Thangaraj and Mr. T. T. Paranthaman, PRD Rigs became synonymous with innovation and excellence in the drilling industry since it was founded in 1972. Starting out as an engineering workshop, Paranthaman Rock Drills has transformed into a global paradigm in drilling and exploration solutions.
The deep-rooted inspiration of Mr. T. P. Thangaraj was the difficulty of accessing water and minerals in remote poorly endowed regions. His zeal to identify and address these issues while ensuring that India became a major player in the global drilling industry. Now present in over 75 countries, PRD Rigs is a testament to his vision and is continuously growing.
Innovation making a difference
As explained by the CEO, the key component of PRD Rigs’ success is the innovative zeal of the senior leadership. Owing to their innovative practices only, the group has been able to diversify its portfolios such as mineral and metal mining rigs, infrastructure and energy rigs, geological exploration rigs, and water well drilling rigs.
Today, PRD Rigs guarantee peak performance across various geographies or terrains owing to its cutting-edge technology. Day by day, PRD Rigs is creating new benchmarks with its efficiency and dependability by incorporating digital monitoring systems, precise engineering, and advanced automation into its products thanks to its dedication to research and development.
A 50-Year Legacy of Excellence
PRD Rigs legacy is worth a discussion. For more than 50 years, they have been able to read the pulse of the market and bring tech advances that can make their solutions stand out in the market. From its beginnings as an engineering workshop to its 1992 production of hydraulic drilling rigs, the company has continuously pushed the envelope.
PRD Rigs’ reputation has been an outcome of its outstanding innovation which is demonstrated by the shift from mechanical to hydraulic and, more recently, digital automation. This illustrious history acts as a beacon of guidance, propelling industrial excellence and influencing drilling technology going forward.
Customizing for Global Markets
In the present time, the group has its operation wings across multiple continents. PRD Rigs understood how significant the touch of customization is in catering to the geographical and geological requirements. Therefore, they have kept a keen interest in preparing engineered rigs that are tailored for extreme conditions.
Be it extreme whether it’s harsh weather conditions or any other external factor, PRD rigs prove their efficiency, durability, and adaptability under different conditions. Worth mentioning is the fact that they collaborate with local experts to research the best options to create an excellent product. They are committed to ensuring global excellence in every field.
Integrating Automation and Smart Technology
Keeping abreast of the market trends is essential for any company to make it to the top. PRD Rigs incorporates automation and smart technology to make operations efficient. The leadership of the group has always advocated the early adoption of technical breakthroughs.
As explained by the CEO, tech inclusivity leads to increased precision, remote diagnostics, and real-time monitoring which are made possible by the integration of CAN Systems with PLCs. The company’s tech infrastructure stands at four main pillars—the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and digital twins. These elements propel PRD Rigs to be at the forefront of the change. All of these developments strengthen PRD Rigs’ image as an innovative leader in the industry by increasing drilling accuracy and reducing operating expenses.
Pioneering Eco-Friendly Drilling Practices
The business world has become more conscious of its activities in environmental life. We are now more sensitive towards maintaining sustainable business practices to reduce the negative impact. PRD Rigs is also a pioneer in investing heavily in creating sustainable solutions in drilling operations. They have come up with energy-efficient rigs and alternative power sources. Moreover, they are incorporating eco-friendly methods into its manufacturing processes. These initiatives reflect a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible industrial practices.
Stringent Quality Control
To keep up with the international market quality is a must for the group to ensure market dominance. No compromise is made when it comes to the quality; it’s a non-negotiable aspect. As part of its ongoing commitment to excellence, PRD Rigs is set to achieve IMS (Integrated Management System) certification in 2025, encompassing Quality, Health & Safety, and Environmental standards.
This marks a significant step beyond its existing ISO 9001:2015 certification, ensuring the highest international manufacturing standards. Rigorous quality control processes, including comprehensive testing and inspection at every production stage, guarantee that each product meets stringent performance and safety benchmarks. By continuously improving its processes and adopting sustainable manufacturing practices, PRD Rigs strengthens its competitive edge, delivering world-class drilling solutions to clients worldwide.
Key Differentiators in the Global Market
PRD Rigs has been titled as The Most Prestigious Brand to Watch in 2025 by Business Connect Magazine. This recognition clearly states how their innovation at the core, a legacy of excellence, and an expansive global reach keeps them relevant to the market and make them a leader. “PRD Rigs is not just a market leader—it is the future of drilling technology. As the industry evolves, PRD Rigs continues to set the gold standard, making it the most prestigious brand to watch in 2025 and beyond,” enunciated Mr. Mithunraj Paranthaman.
But, to dig deep into the differentiators that made the brand stand out in the space, the CEO shared some key markers that help them get a competitive edge in the industry:
• Comprehensive Product Portfolio: PRD Rigs offers a diverse range of high-performance drilling solutions, catering to water well drilling, geological exploration, infrastructure development, and mining. Each rig is engineered with cuttingedge technology to maximize efficiency, durability, and adaptability across various terrains and conditions.
• Unmatched Global Footprint: With exports spanning 75 countries, PRD Rigs has built a strong international presence. Its dominance in Africa and emerging markets highlights its expertise in addressing region-specific drilling challenges, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted global partner.
• Relentless Focus on Innovation: The Company’s significant investment in R&D ensures that its products remain at the forefront of technological advancements. By integrating automation, digital monitoring, and smart drilling solutions, PRD Rigs consistently enhances operational efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness for its clients.
• Customer-Centric Excellence: Beyond manufacturing, PRD Rigs is committed to providing end-to-end support. The company offers 24/7 customer assistance, professional training, on-site commissioning, and after-sales service to ensure seamless operations for its global clientele.
Future of Manufacturing in the Drilling Industry
We requested Mr. Mithunraj Paranthaman to shed some light on the emerging trends in the industry. He responded by sharing the course of the drilling industry’s future and the group’s role in shaping it. He said as the industry evolves, PRD Rigs is keeping a close eye on emerging trends such as AI-driven automation, remote-controlled drilling operations (Autonomous), and sustainable material innovation.
The future is full of golden opportunities where they would make sure to stay ahead of the curve. The leadership has been preparing a roadmap to keep the relevance of the products as their top priority while setting new benchmarks for the drilling sector in the coming years.
Leadership that empowers people
The leadership at PRD Rigs is a sheer testament to unparalleled business ethics keeping its industry leadership intact. The foundation of the group is built on the values of empowering people with the power of innovation, integrity, and a strong team. Every leader sitting at the decision-making table believes in collaborating with people at different levels to bring new ideas for growth and improvement.
At the heart of the group’s phenomenal success is the power of leadership philosophy that values every individual and motivates everyone to push their boundaries. The group is highly commended for its culture of inclusivity and learning which has been instrumental in the company’s sustained growth.
Long-Term Growth Strategy
The journey has been phenomenal for PRD Rigs in the last fifty years. And now, the group is focused on expanding its global footprint, enhancing technological capabilities, and leading the shift towards sustainable drilling solutions. With plans to enter new markets, strengthen R&D initiatives, and advance digital transformation, PRD Rigs is well-positioned to redefine the future of the drilling industry.
Advice to Emerging Entrepreneurs from the CEO
Before signing off from the conversation Mr. Mithunraj Paranthaman conveyed his message to our readership, “For aspiring entrepreneurs, PRD Rigs offers a valuable lesson—innovation, perseverance, and a customer-centric approach are key to long-term success. By embracing challenges, investing in research, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence, businesses can carve a path to global recognition.
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