by Ian Klassen, Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at Dimatec Inc
In 1988, Mr. Ivor Perry moved his family from South Africa to Winnipeg, a location more commonly associated with agriculture than advanced manufacturing. He brought diamond impregnated core drill technology with him, and founded Dimatec Inc. The company’s mandate was simple and focused: to design and manufacture high-performance diamond drilling tools for the mineral exploration industry.
From the outset, Dimatec positioned itself at the intersection of engineering precision and real-world field performance. Its early success came from working closely with drilling contractors operating in demanding geological environments—where equipment failure is not just costly, but operationally critical. The company’s mission has remained consistent since its founding: to ‘craft quality products to access earth’s valuable resources in a way that sustains us all’.
Dimatec’s early growth was anchored in its specialization in diamond drilling technologies, particularly:
- Diamond impregnated core bits;
- Reaming shells & casing shoes;
- Surface-set and TSP-set tools;
- PDC-based drilling solutions.
These products are engineered to withstand extreme pressures, abrasive formations, and variable geological conditions.
What distinguished Dimatec was not just product design, but a methodology rooted in continuous R&D, field-driven feedback loops, and application-specific customization. This approach enabled the company to earn a reputation for reliability and performance, particularly in mineral exploration and geotechnical drilling—sectors where downtime directly impacts project economics.
Recognizing the synergies between drilling tool manufacturing and advanced machining, the company strategically expanded into precision CNC machining, marking a pivotal shift from a niche drilling supplier to a diversified manufacturing partner.
Today, Dimatec supports a wide range of sectors, including:
- Mining and mineral exploration;
- Oil and gas;
- Energy and industrial applications;
- OEM manufacturing across multiple industries;
- Aerospace and defense.
Dimatec’s machining capabilities include turning, milling, drilling, as well as complex multi-axis operations. These are complemented by secondary processes such as grinding, welding, and surface treatment. This vertical integration allows the company to control quality and traceability, production timelines, and customization at scale.
At the core of Dimatec’s growth is a disciplined operational philosophy built on engineering expertise, structured production systems, and international quality standards.
The company has implemented and maintained certified quality management systems aligned with ISO standards, reinforcing its commitment to consistency and continuous improvement.
Equally important is its workforce. Many employees have spent decades with the company, creating a deep institutional knowledge base and reinforcing a culture centered on long-term relationships, practical problem-solving, and accountability and trust. As leadership has evolved, the company has successfully blended experienced personnel with new talent. In doing so, it has positioned itself for sustained growth in global markets.
With a workforce of approximately 50–100 employees and a presence across multiple industrial sectors, the company operates as a privately held, 100% Canadian-owned and managed enterprise with a global footprint. From its Canadian facility, located at the geographic center of North America, Dimatec leverages logistical advantages to rapidly supply customers worldwide: in North and South America, Australia, Africa, Europe, and southeast Asia. In recent years, the company has intensified its focus on international market expansion, customer-driven innovation programs, and custom product development initiatives.
For example, programs such as its ‘Drillers Project’ emphasize collaboration with end users by developing tailored solutions based on real drilling conditions and performance data. At the same time, Dimatec continues to invest in automation and advanced equipment, process optimization, and capacity expansion. These investments ensure the company remains competitive in both traditional resource sectors and in emerging industrial applications.
Dimatec’s contributions to Canadian manufacturing have not gone unnoticed. The company has received industry recognition, including the induction of Mr. Ivor Perry into the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Hall of Fame, underscoring its impact on export growth and manufacturing excellence.
As the global demand for resources, energy, and advanced manufacturing continues to evolve, Dimatec is positioning itself at the convergence of resource extraction, advanced machining, and sustainable industrial practices. Its long-term strategy focuses on:
- Expanding into new industries;
- Enhancing automation and efficiency;
- Deepening partnerships with OEM customers worldwide.
From a modest beginning in Winnipeg to a globally recognized manufacturing partner, Dimatec’s story is one of disciplined growth, technical excellence, and an unwavering focus on performance where it matters most—at the cutting edge of the earth itself.
For more information: Visit dimatec.com
