Innovation Key to Kudu’s Success

By Seema Dhawan

I nnovation is the guiding philosophy behind the success

at KUDU Industries Inc.  (KUDU), says Ray Mills, CEO of
KUDU.
KUDU is constantly improving their service and employees
are very customer oriented. They know to apply the product
and what kind of technology to bring together for a Progress-
ing Cavity Pump (PCPs) to be successful for the customers,
he adds.
The employees attitude of wanting to make customers suc-
cessful and their training, knowledge and expertise continues
to set them apart, Mills says.
“Our people are really dedicated to making the customers
successful, I know that sounds cliché but we’ve got a great
team of people,” he adds.
KUDU has recently also entered new markets including
Romania, Oman and other parts of the Middle East.
I think one of the keys is the innovation on products, Mills
says. A lot of innovation is required to address customer’s
needs, he adds.
KUDU is currently advancing new Driveheads which are
improved in terms of reliability, durability and also have a sim-
plified design.
KUDU has also been looking to simplify their supply chain
to reduce cost and save energy. The new Driveheads use
fewer components and are soured locally or within Canada,
says Mills.
All the components of a PCP are also recyclable.
We are continuing to experiment PCP’s in high temperature
applications like SAGD, says Mills.
“We’ve been able to extend pump life significantly,” he adds.
Mills attributes process innovation to be the most impor-
tant factor that has led to KUDU’s success.
“Process innovation is key to us, doing those things cost
effectively for customers,” he says.
A key part of KUDU’s strategy is to have a sharp focus and
avoid distractions, says Mills.
“We are focusing all our research and development dollars
on progressive pumps,” he adds.
Automation has also enabled us to take the efficiency and
optimization of wells pumped with PCP to the next level, says
Mills. It has maximized the efficiency of the pumping system
as the pump isn’t pumping harder than needed or slower than
possible.
“We’re looking at the health and the safety of the environ-
ment,” he adds.

Oil & Gas Network, August 2010 15