Inside IPI: How an Australian Manufacturer Became a Global Leader in Inflatable Packer Technology
Founded in 1999 by Clem Rowe, Inflatable Packers International (IPI) started as a small operation focused on developing advanced packer technology for Australia’s water and mining sectors. Today, it’s a global player with a reputation for innovation, reliability, and responsiveness.
IPI’s core strength lies in its ability to tailor inflatable packer systems to the needs of diverse industries—mining, construction, geotechnical engineering, oil and gas, and even environmental sciences. According to Commercial Director Howard Kenworthy, “Our edge is not just in the product—it’s in the deep understanding of how that product fits the application.”
Unlike traditional oilfield suppliers or low-capability operators, IPI offers application-specific engineering, nimble production cycles, and global customer service that makes them the preferred partner in projects that go deeper and further than ever before.
Their products are trusted by industry leaders like Codelco in Chile and SRK Consulting worldwide for block caving, permeability testing, and site characterization. IPI’s hydraulic packer systems, including their innovative SWiPS and STX-60 models, outperform traditional gas-inflated tools—reaching depths of over 1,000 meters with better operational control and efficiency.
As global demand for deeper drilling, smarter testing, and tougher tools grows, IPI is positioning itself not just as a supplier—but as a partner in precision, performance, and progress. Their roots in Perth, a hub of mining and energy innovation, continue to fuel their trajectory as they expand into CBM and oil & gas markets with confidence.
Click here to read the publication.
