Heavy Metal: A Detailed Look at Hardwick Machinery

April 2022

On a typical day at Hardwick Machinery [West Jordan, Utah], sparks rain onto the shop floor as MIG welders fuse steel plates. Mechanics rebuild diesel engines on workbenches. A forklift unloads crates of cylinders and chains. An indoor crane lifts a 20,000 lb. mast off a drill rig. 

Hardwick provides full-service design, fabrication, repair and rebuild services for a variety of applications, specializing in drilling, mining, and construction equipment. The company offers in-house and global field service.  

Industry Experts

Since 1998, the company has built a strong reputation of outstanding customer service, top quality workmanship, competitive pricing, and expertise in heavy equipment rebuilds. 20-plus years of drilling industry experience and their location in Utah has enabled them to form close relationships with businesses and clients in the Western United States. 

Schramm and Hardwick officially launched a joint venture in 2020, combining decades of quality experience to offer superior aftermarket support for Schramm customers, acting as a point of contact, service hub, and OEM parts dealer and fabricator. Justin Hardwick [Owner/Operator] says the partnership has created opportunities for both parties. 

The Hardwick shop crew

Precision Technology

Maintenance Supervisor Mike Rinna and his crew of 8 mechanics, welders, and technicians utilize cutting edge and powerful tools to execute projects quickly and efficiently without compromising precision. For metal cutting and shaping, Hardwick uses a PLC controlled Mach3 Flow Waterjet, a Hyd-mech band saw, capable of cutting steel up to 16 inches thick, and an Accurpress for bending. A pair of 10-ton cranes handle heavy lifting.  

To provide quick repairs, Hardwick maintains a healthy inventory of rig components, sourcing or fabricating them as necessary. Rows of shelves containing seals, valves, cylinders, bolts, wires, and hose enable technicians to construct electrical and hydraulic systems in-house, minimizing customer wait times.  

Experienced Personnel

Hardwick Machinery is a family business, with Justin’s wife, daughter, son, nephew, and in-laws working in the office and shop. The rest of the crew is close-knit and has worked at Hardwick for years–Lead Mechanic Guy Garlick since 2003; Mechanic Gerrardo Jimenez since 2004; Supervisor Mike Reena and Welder Jason Turner since 2006.  

The team’s years of dedicated service provides expertise in a wide variety of applications and equipment. Their top-quality workmanship, fair prices, and ability to quickly diagnose and implement repairs fosters strong industry relationships.  

Field Service

With two fully outfitted service trucks and a crew that has travelled to multiple continents to repair rigs, Hardwick’s expertise isn’t confined to their Utah facility. Service techs regularly travel throughout the US to provide same-or-next-day service. This past month they’ve worked in Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. 

“Drill rigs don’t tell you when they’re going to break down,” Guy says. “We have to be ready to go anytime, anywhere.”  

Service techs often work in remote areas at difficult-to-reach drill sites, in extreme weather and around the clock. Mike Reena once serviced a rig at Kumtor Gold Mine in Kyrgyzstan, the second highest mine in the world, at 14000 feet.   

Noteworthy Projects

Hardwick recently completed a refurbishment of a Schramm TXD for Burton Oil, rebuilding the inner mast, pump system, and top head, finishing the job with a repaint. Their work is not limited to drill rigs. Recently, they built bracketing for mountable fire suppression systems for Unified Fire Department, metal gates for a housing contractor, and a 20’ x 40’ outdoor screen bracket for Utah Valley University.  

Schramm Comissions

“Every drill site is different,” says Randall Johnson. “Sometimes rigs need to be modified to suit certain site requirements. With our in-house manufacturing capabilities we can make those changes right here.”  

Randall and the Hardwick team recently modified a Schramm rig to meet a site-specific MSHA walkway guideline, building a modified deck, which then required relocating an access ladder.  

“This gives us the ability to work directly with the customer, listen to their needs, and implement changes to make our rigs work even better for that customer,” Randall says. It’s that commitment to meeting customer needs that elevates Schramm from the competition.    

“People know that if you have a Schramm rig that needs work, you bring it to Hardwick.”

-Guy Garlick

The Future

Currently, global supply chain issues are hampering the industry even while demand is surging. Hardwick and Schramm are navigating these challenges together, sharing resources to meet customer needs, and focusing on aftermarket opportunities.   

“Currently, rigs are working non-stop around the world,” says Craig Mayman [EVP Sales, Marketing & GM Australia].  “That means the rigs are onsite for extended periods of time, so we anticipate performing a great deal of on-site support in the months to come.”