World-class repair services for Colombia’s oil and gas sector

Colombia

Juan Felipe Charria González, managing partner at Pemarsa, talks to The Energy Year about the company’s role as a manufacturer in Colombia’s oil sector, how it manages its supply chain and production processes and the composition of its portfolio. Pemarsa is a Colombian machine shop serving the oil and gas sector.

What is Pemarsa’s position in the manufacturing industry for the oil sector in Colombia and beyond?
Pemarsa specialises in the production and repair of drilling and completion tools, consistently fulfilling the American Petroleum Institute standards and tailoring our services to meet specific customer needs. Our operations are based at a world-class facility spanning 6,000 square metres.
Beyond Colombia, Pemarsa has established an international presence, exporting to the Latin American markets. Our client list includes major industry players such as Halliburton, SLB, Baker Hughes and Weatherford. This success is built on our ability to provide high-quality products and services that match the standards found in the best facilities located in Houston, Aberdeen or Dubai.

How does Pemarsa manage its supply chain and production processes?
Pemarsa’s supply chain management is defined by its foresight and adaptability. The company imports 70-80% of its raw materials and maintains a substantial inventory – over 200 tonnes of steel and more than 2 tonnes of welding materials – to create a buffer against supply chain disruptions.
This strategy has been particularly effective during recent global events, such as the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, which have impacted the availability and price of materials.
To streamline its complex production processes, Pemarsa has developed proprietary software called POPP [Programa Operacional de Produccion de Pemarsa]. This system oversees the entire production chain using QR codes to track individual tools through various stages of manufacturing or repair, providing real-time location updates.
The production floor is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including advanced numerical-control machines, robotised welding processes and two laser cladding machines. These investments in technology and process management help ensure efficiency and resilience in a rapidly changing global market.

What is the composition of your services portfolio?
Pemarsa’s business model centres on manufacturing and repairs, with a smaller emphasis on rentals. Currently, repairs account for about 51% of the company’s operations, while manufacturing comprises 47%. The repair business plays a crucial role by enabling customers to reuse tools and thereby supports a circular economy and addresses the challenges of scarce and costly raw materials.
While the rental business represents around 2% of sales, it is strategically important for customer support. Pemarsa maintains a fleet of approximately 150 string stabilisers and other tools available for rent. This approach allows the company to assist customers without directly competing with them, as many clients are service companies that rent tools to operators.
Pemarsa’s strategy focuses on manufacturing and selling tools to these service companies while offering rentals as a backup option when necessary, ensuring flexibility and reliability for customers.

How does Pemarsa approach innovation and technology investment?
At Pemarsa, innovation and technological investment are central to our strategy, with around 30% of our turnover dedicated to advancing technological innovation. We consistently upgrade our machinery and equipment to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
Our commitment to innovation goes beyond acquiring the latest machines. We have established partnerships with equipment manufacturers to develop custom machines under the Pemarsa brand, further enhancing our competitive advantage. Today, 70-80% of our machining equipment are computer-numerical-control machines, reflecting our high level of automation.
In addition to machinery, we have made significant investments in cutting-edge welding technologies, such as laser cladding and plasma transferred welding. These investments are part of our broader effort to improve processes, solve complex problems and boost efficiency across all areas of our business.

What is Pemarsa’s growth strategy, and what are its future objectives?
Pemarsa is focusing on expanding its presence in the Latin American market in response to the challenges faced by the oil and gas sector in Colombia. As part of this growth strategy, the company is also exploring new opportunities in major markets such as the United States and Canada, which together have more than 600 active drilling rigs.
To meet growing international demand in the energy industry, Pemarsa remains committed to investing in advanced technology, research and workforce training. This approach ensures that that the company stays at the forefront of industry innovation and delivers top-tier solutions to its global clients.

Read our latest insights on:

• Colombia