Business Details
37 Years
experience
Expert Drilling Services in Wigan
Established in 1989, PB Drilling has built a reputation as a trusted provider of specialist drilling services across the UK. Acquired by the RSK Group in 2018, our expertise spans cable percussion drilling, window sampling, and concrete coring, underpinned by ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and ISO 45001 certifications. With over 80 years of combined experience among lead drillers and a commitment to safety and sustainability, we deliver precise, site-specific solutions for geotechnical and environmental projects.Our low headroom rigs address challenging access requirements, while proactive health and safety protocols ensure operational excellence. Backed by the RSK Group's international resources, we combine local expertise with global capabilities.
Services
Cable percussion drilling
Water well drilling
Low headroom cable percussion
Window sampling
Dynamic probing
Concrete coring
Soil contamination analysis
Groundwater monitoring
Geotechnical site investigation
Environmental assessment drilling
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and ISO 45001 certified
- Over 80 years combined drilling experience
- Specialises in low headroom cable percussion rigs
- Proactive health and safety training and practices
- Part of the RSK Group with international presence
Associations and certifications
- ISO 14001:2015
- ISO 9001:2015
- ISO 45001:2018
Services
Cable percussion drilling
Cable percussion drilling employs percussive methods to extract undisturbed soil samples for geotechnical analysis. Our six rigs, including Dando models, operate up to 60m depth with casing diameters of 612 inches. The technique enables groundwater monitoring and SPT testing, leaving minimal site disturbance after reinstatement.
Window sampling
Window sampling uses metal tubes with cut-out sections to collect shallow soil samples. This method effectively determines soil composition, contamination levels, and structural data for environmental assessments. PB Drilling operates two Premier Compact 110 rigs, providing accurate results for site investigations.
Concrete coring
Concrete coring extracts cylindrical samples from structures to assess composition, strength, and durability. Our nationwide service uses precision equipment to evaluate compliance with safety standards. This non-destructive technique supports infrastructure maintenance and construction quality control.
Low headroom drilling
Our low headroom cable percussion rig operates in spaces as low as 2m, ideal for basements and urban sites. Capable of 42m depth with 610 inch casings, it maintains safety and quality standards. Setup requires half a day, with mobilisation via flatbed vehicle.
Dynamic probing
Dynamic probing measures soil penetration resistance using a steel cone and sliding hammer. Results correlate with standard penetration tests, providing data on soil stratigraphy and bearing capacity. This cost-effective method supports foundation design and ground compaction assessments.
People
Victoria Heath
Associate Director and Operations Manager
Victoria manages PB Drilling's operations, serving as primary contact for clients and suppliers. Her direct communication style and project management expertise have made her a preferred point of contact within the industry.
Gill Rides
Administrator
Gill provides administrative support to operations, maintaining efficient workflows between management and drilling crews. Her client-focused approach ensures seamless coordination across all company activities.
Drilling teams
Lead and assistant drillers
PB Drilling employs five drilling crews with 80 combined years of experience. Lead drillers each have over 15 years' field experience, while assistant drillers average five years. Local Wigan-based teams undergo continuous training and safety protocols.
Questions
Do you offer drilling services outside the UK?
We primarily serve UK clients, though our RSK Group affiliation enables collaboration on international projects through their global network.
Are your drilling crews certified?
All drillers hold relevant certifications and undergo regular safety training. Our ISO 45001:2018 certification confirms compliance with international occupational health and safety standards.
How does PB Drilling ensure environmental compliance?
We adhere to ISO 14001:2015 environmental standards, with annual ESG performance reviews. Our drilling methods prioritise minimal site disturbance and containment of spoil and water.
Can you drill in restricted access areas?
Yes, our low headroom cable percussion rig operates in spaces as low as 2m, and traditional rigs can be crane-lifted onto challenging sites like over-water platforms.
How quickly can you mobilise for a project?
We typically mobilise within 48 hours of contract confirmation. The low headroom rig requires half a day setup, while standard rigs need full day preparation.
Do you provide borehole documentation?
Borehole log sheets are emailed or posted within two working days of completion, detailing sampling data, SPT results, and installation specifics.
