Beyond the Delivery at Bandstra: Hy-Tech Drilling
December 17, 2025
Beyond the Delivery: Hy-Tech Drilling
What began in 1991 with a single drill rig has grown into one of the industry’s recognized contract diamond drilling operations, operating more than 60 rigs across six countries and three continents.
Yet despite international growth, Hy-Tech Drilling’s roots remain firmly planted in northern British Columbia, with its head office still located in Smithers.
“Back in the day, the company was so small that Harvey would come home at night with a drill head, rebuild it on the kitchen table, and then head back out to work the next day... Things like that have made the company what it is today.””
Founded by Harvey Tremblay, Hy-Tech began as a small operation focused on contract diamond drilling — extracting core samples that help determine whether mineral deposits such as gold, silver, copper, and lithium are viable for mining. Over time, the company earned a reputation for successfully completing difficult drilling projects in challenging environments, helping establish long-term relationships with clients around the world.
At the center of that success is innovation. Hy-Tech continues to operate the Tech 5000 diamond drill, a rig designed and built by Tremblay himself. Decades later, it remains an important part of operations and a symbol of the company’s hands-on approach.
“Our downtime is basically zero,” says Purnell. Maintaining that reliability requires a constant flow of parts, equipment, and rebuilt components — an increasingly complex logistical challenge as the company expanded internationally.
That need for dependable transportation created a partnership with Bandstra Transportation that stretches back to Hy-Tech’s earliest days.
“Harvey started a relationship with Bandstra pretty much from day one — and it’s a strong relationship that continues today.”
Today, Bandstra supports Hy-Tech through everything from overnight freight deliveries from major centers such as Vancouver and Edmonton, to transporting complete drill rigs into remote Canadian project sites.
“As Hy-Tech has grown over the years, our logistical needs have grown along with our company,” Purnell explains. “Bandstra has always stepped up to the plate and supplied us with everything we need — in or outside of the box.”
Beyond operations, both companies share something deeper: family ownership and strong community ties.
Despite its global footprint, Hy-Tech says maintaining a close-knit culture remains a priority through community involvement, local support initiatives, and a workplace built around relationships.
“Even though we have grown to the size we are today, we are like a big family,” says Purnell. And as Hy-Tech continues expanding into the future, the company sees dependable partnerships as a critical part of continued growth.
“As Hy-Tech forges into the future,” Purnell says, “we know Bandstra will be right alongside us every step of the way.”
Watch the full video feature to hear more from Mike Purnell and learn about the long-standing relationship between Hy-Tech Drilling and Bandstra Transportation on our Youtube channel.
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