About Balltec :: Introduction

Balltec was founded in 2004 by Robert Emmett, the undisputed pioneer and founding father of ball and taper tools for the Oil & Gas industry. In 1983 Bob Emmett designed, manufactured and later patented the world’s first ball and taper lifting device. In 1987 Bob invented and patented a revolutionary weld-less mechanical pipe connector, the Morgrip, that is still in use to this day and licensed to Hydratight.

In 1994, driven by the phenomenal success of the Morgrip and the worlds first ball and taper pipeline recovery tools, Bob had ideas for further application of ball and taper technology for the oil and gas industry. It was in 1994 that BSW Ltd and the “Ballgrab” were born, names that have become synonymous for ball and taper tools in the industry.

Following a share sale of BSW in 2001 Bob had hoped for more products and further innovation. By February 2004 the shareholder relationship had broken down completely and Bob was forced to leave the company he had worked so hard to build.

Finding it very difficult to turn his back on the industry and the technology Bob formed Balltec Ltd. The incorporation of Balltec on 23rd July 2004 provided the vehicle to re-start the development of new and improved ball and taper products for the industry.

Over twenty five years since the first ball and taper designs and once again at the leading edge of innovation, Balltec has eliminated the weaker areas of the original tool designs, developed new products and successfully acquired new patents.

Balltec is constantly finding new applications for ball and taper technology and has also moved into the development of other none ball and taper products and services for the oil and gas industry.

In 2011 Balltec’s existing and developing product range attracted the attention of Kenna Invest (four scandinavian investors who had themselves developed a successful oil and gas company) who acquired 34% of Balltec’s shares. The funds from the share sale and further investment from the owners have allowed a rapid expansion of the company and work force.

A number of product prototypes are currently being tested and new products are due to be launched later in 2012/13.