Inflatable Packers International Pty Ltd (IPI) is a leading company specializing in high-pressure inflatable packer technology. Established in 1999 by Clem Rowe, IPI initially focused on expanding the reach of this technology beyond the Australian market. Over the years, the company has experienced significant growth, expanded its operations internationally, and made remarkable contributions to various industries, including oil and gas, mining, geothermal, and geotechnical exploration. In 2001, Geopro SA of Belgium made a significant investment in IPI, enabling the establishment of a workshop and the employment of two staff members. This partnership marked a turning point for IPI, allowing them to enhance their manufacturing capabilities and broaden their reach. Joel Adams, a hydrogeologist from Montana, joined IPI in 2003 and played a crucial role in representing the company in North America. In 2004, IPI Well Products LLC was formed in Red Lodge MT under his leadership. This now trades as IPI Packers in North America and accounts for IPI’s single largest market. With the appointment of Howard Kenworthy as Commercial Director, several strategic expansions followed, including the opening of offices in Bulgaria shortly after, as IPI started to expand its global presence and forged more partnerships with industry leaders.

In 2008, the company experienced significant expansion, establishing IPI Trading in Singapore as well as Santiago, Chile, and further expanded its Perth machine shop capabilities. The year 2009 witnessed IPI’s entry into the Queensland Coal Seam Gas market, further bolstering its reputation and presence. IPI’s commitment to excellence and quality was evident in 2015 when they achieved ISO9001 compliance and secured significant projects with a major oilfield services company in 2018. Furthermore, the company’s purchase of land for future expansion and its key role in the environmentally secure plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells for a super major offshore Australia further solidified IPI’s position as a trusted industry partner.

While IPI has achieved remarkable success, it has also faced its fair share of challenges. From 2013 to 2016, the company experienced stagnation in three key markets, resulting in flatlining revenues. However, IPI persevered, maintained Research and Development, and remained focused on innovation and leveraging its expertise to overcome obstacles. As markets started to recover, IPI grew its revenues by 50% from 2018 to 2019, but then came an almost welcome pause with the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented unprecedented challenges. Fortunately, the Australian government assistance enabled the business to tread water for five business quarters with no layoffs. Indeed, IPI’s reaction was to take advantage of government incentives and forge ahead with the building of new Australian facilities to anticipate resumed growth as well as other investments.

In 2021, IPI implemented strategic measures to streamline its operations by consolidating all the business under IPI Trading Pte Ltd in Singapore as well as updating its logo with an addition of a slogan to underscore its technical advantages. In 2022, the company showcased its commitment to innovation and ongoing enhancement by relocating its workshop facilities to Bayswater WA from Osborne Park WA. This was an A$9m investment, supported with Federal Government Grants and finance from two of Australia’s main banking groups, in significantly larger workshops, more automated machinery, and a bigger rubber laboratory. Simultaneously, IPI established a new manufacturing facility in Bulgaria, part of the European Union, as well as expanding its presence with a new commercial office in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. 2022 also saw the appointment of Francis Ford as Managing Director for Australia, Francis having joined as the company’s first apprentice in 2005, as well as the creation of an Oil and Gas (Business Development) Division and a separate one for Mine-Water-Geotech to follow more focused marketing strategies.

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