Four decades downhole.
From a small rental company founded in 1978 to a global leader in drilling equipment, four decades of innovation and growth.
Built on four decades of engineering integrity.
Hole Opener Corporation began as a small domestic rental operation and evolved, through deliberate investment in people, manufacturing, and quality, into a global supplier of specialized downhole tools trusted in more than 30 countries.
Every milestone in our history reflects the same conviction: that the best tools come from the deepest understanding of what happens downhole.
1978
HOC Founded
Founded June 28, 1978 by Patrick Alleman as a small domestic rental company with an inventory of hole openers, stabilizers, mills, and subs.
1984
First Underreamer Designed
Patrick is introduced to engineer Kent Rives. Together they begin design and manufacturing of HOC's first underreamer, marking HOC's evolution from rental to manufacturing.
1985
Operational Leadership
February 27, 1985: Kenneth Broussard joins HOC as operations manager, bringing operational discipline that would shape the company's growth over the coming decades.
1987
Manufacturing Expansion
HOC expands its manufacturing capabilities, adding new equipment and processes to meet growing demand from domestic drilling operators.
1996
Quality Focus
A continued commitment to quality standards drives HOC to formalize inspection procedures, ensuring every tool meets spec before it reaches the field.
2002
Technology Investment
HOC invests in advanced manufacturing technology, improving precision and repeatability across its product line.
2011
HOC International Founded
HOC International (HOI) is established to serve growing global demand, shipping to the UK, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Middle East.
2018
40 Years of Excellence
HOC celebrates 40 years of delivering quality-driven drilling equipment. The company now serves operators in more than 30 countries worldwide.
"Our commitment has always been the same: safely deliver quality-driven products and services to our customers."
1978
1980s
1990s
2001
Tell us your application.
We'll build the right tool.
Our Team works directly with your drilling team to spec the right solutions – no guess work, no catalog shortcuts.