Boart Longyear wireline core retrieval system, an innovation that revolutionized the diamond drilling industry by increasing productivity on the worksite and making tripping core from the bottom of the hole safer for the drilling assistant. Later named the Q Wireline System, the new core retrieval method introduced a level of productivity never before seen in the exploration drilling industry. In 1964 Longyear sold 25 percent of its family-owned stock to FACTS, a Luxembourg-based holding company owned jointly by Boart International and Christensen Diamond Products Company. Three years later FACTS exercised its option to purchase another 25 percent of Longyear's family stock. The
Boart Longyear in the history of the ASX. The patented Stage™ waterway bit design was introduced and provided the first extended 25mm crown in the market. In 2008 Boart Longyear acquired Eklund Drilling, Britton Brothers, Aqua Drilling and Westrod Engineering. The new patented Quick Descent™ Core Barrel Assembly was launched. Early 2009, Paul Brunner retired as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and was succeeded by Craig Kipp, who had served for three years as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kipp was employed by General Electric from 1983 to 2005. In early 2010 Boart Longyear continued to introduce