33 SEPTEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® 75 Years of Innovation, Integrity, and Industry Leadership Adapted from Information by Wyo-Ben, Inc. In 1951, a partnership developed under the name Wyo-Ben Products Co. consisted of Keith, Rockwood, and Neal Brown, together with Barbara Brown Bixby, and R.E. Dansby, who acquired mill property at Greybull, Wyoming, and bentonite claims. Wyo-Ben, Inc. remains a privately held company headquartered in Billings, Montana, which is a testament to their enduring values, long-term vision, and independent spirit. The establishment of several large taconite pelletizing plants in the U.S. and Canada marked a major development in the industry. During this period, the company secured a bentonite supply contract with a newly constructed pelletizing facility in Sept-Îles, Quebec, pioneering the methods of shipping a semicrude bentonite using water transport as part of the delivery process. With the acquisition by Wyo-Ben of large bentonite reserves located near Thermopolis, Wyoming, and a notable demand for the taconite pelletizing industry, the Thermopolis plant was constructed. The company’s milling capacity reached 650,000 tons per year. Wyo-Ben also supported its own and other oilfield service companies through a comprehensive network of 45 North American warehouses. This wholesale division supplied bentonite and related chemicals to the gas and oil industry until a downturn occurred in the early 1980s. As the oil drilling and taconite pelletizing market declined, Wyo-Ben expanded into groundwater. They began research and development on a new bentonite product to improve the abandonment of seismic shot holes. This product, known as Enviroplug®, became the first commercially produced bentonite chip. The company began supplying groundwater contractors with a range of bentonite products, such as drilling mud and grouting materials. Wyo-Ben formed partnerships with existing wholesalers by offering them sole distributorships. In response to evolving market demands, the company’s products quickly expanded into new industries which included: water, mineral exploration, horizontal directional drilling, gas and oil exploration, caisson drilling and tunneling, environmental sealants, and industrial wastewater treatment. They also established Wyo-Ben Pet, a division focused on producing clumping cat litter for private label and own brands. In 2023, Wyo-Ben acquired the bentonite operations of M-I Swaco, a division of Schlumberger, which has been renamed Magnet Cove, located in Greybull, Wyoming. Wyo-Ben was also named the Montana State Fund Workplace Safety Honoree. This recognition underscores the unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace while setting a remarkable standard for employers across industries. This year, the company received a Private Company Board of the Year Award. The award celebrates fiduciary and advisory boards that exhibit outstanding governance, strategic direction, and a dedicated commitment to their shareholders, employees, customers, and communities. Companies are chosen for surpassing standard legal governance requirements and exemplifying best practices in board structure, oversight, and performance. With a clear mission and core values, Wyo-Ben is committed to: j Delivering top-quality mineral-based technology solutions j Providing exceptional customer service j Creating opportunities for employees and fostering organizational success j Supporting and enhancing the communities where they operate j Acting as responsible stewards of the environment Wyo-Ben will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, marking three-quarters of a century of innovation, growth, and commitment to customers, employees, and communities around the world. WTR HDD 2027 LGWA Convention & Trade Show January 12-13 Paragon Casino Resort Marksville, LA Register Online Today at lgwa.org/registration Hotel Discount Code GWJ12GR Always educational and helpful. Sherwood Hall SWH Associates Spring Hill, FL
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