Schramm Inc.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing, Mining equipment |
| Founded | 1900 |
| Founder | Chris Schramm |
| Headquarters | West Chester, Pennsylvania , United States |
Area served | Worldwide (more than 16 countries) |
Key people | Dick Schramm (Chairman) |
| Products | Mobile, top-head hydraulic drilling rigs and associated machinery |
| Owner | GenNx360 Capital Partners (since October 2019) |
Schramm, Inc. is a privately owned producer of mobile, top-head hydraulic drilling rigs and associated machinery, catering to the worldwide mining, energy, and water well sectors. In October 2019, GenNx360 Capital Partners completed its acquisition of the company. Based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schramm maintains sales, parts, and service locations across more than 16 countries, with its main manufacturing plants located in Pennsylvania and Western Australia.
The company achieved global prominence due to its essential involvement in the 2010 Copiapó mining rescue operation, which saved 33 miners trapped underground. Nevertheless, following a fatal workplace incident in February 2023 at its Australian branch, Schramm's operations there entered external administration, prompting a criminal case initiated by Worksafe WA in February 2025.
Company History
Established in 1900 by Chris Schramm, the enterprise initially specialized in portable air compressors before transitioning to rotary drilling rigs during the 1950s. Dick Schramm joined as a manufacturing engineer in 1961, rose to President by 1985, and currently holds the position of Chairman, providing strategic guidance that has influenced the company’s development.
In 2015, Schramm broadened its international footprint by acquiring AirDrill and AirDrill Hammers and Bits of Western Australia—companies known for their reverse circulation hammers and drilling bits. To enhance after-sales support and service capabilities, Schramm formed a joint venture with Hardwick Machinery in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2020.
Following a fatal accident at the Welshpool facility of Schramm Australia in February 2023, Worksafe WA commenced criminal proceedings. Subsequently, on 22 February 2023, administrators were appointed over Schramm’s Australian subsidiaries: AirDrill Pty Ltd, AirDrill Hammers and Bits Pty Ltd, and Schramm Australia Holding Pty Ltd.
2010 Copiapó mining accident
During the 2010 Copiapó mining disaster in Chile, Schramm was instrumental in rescuing 33 miners who remained trapped underground for 69 days. The company supplied two crucial drilling rigs: the Schramm T685 WS truck-mounted drill was used to create the initial borehole that confirmed the miners were alive; meanwhile, the T130XD air core drill rig was selected by the main contractor for Plan B operations to enlarge escape shafts. This latter rig played a vital role in successfully opening a rescue shaft, highlighting Schramm’s innovative drilling technology and industry leadership.
External links
- Construction equipment manufacturers of the United States
- Mining equipment companies
- Companies based in Chester County, Pennsylvania
- American companies established in 1900
- 2010 Copiapó mining accident
- Manufacturing companies based in Pennsylvania
- 1900 establishments in Pennsylvania
- Manufacturing companies established in 1900
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment