About Us

Richard and Jan Bombardier began J.R. Drilling in Cranbrook B.C., in 1989, using an older Chicago Pneumatic drill rig. Within four years, they sold that rig and purchased the first of many new DR (dual rotary) rigs, a Foremost DR 16. With this technologically advanced equipment, Richard was able to use his unique forward thinking and innovative ideas, to quickly grow the company and increase its market share in the East and West Kootenays. Contracts included environmental drilling for most of the major engineering companies in B.C., working on the Bennet Dam sinkhole project for BC Hydro, placer gold exploration in Northern BC and dewatering wells, exploration holes, wireline piezometers and angle hole drilling for the East Kootenay coal mines.

In 1999, J.R. Drilling Ltd. expanded into the U.S. market and along with three partners started a drilling company in Southern Arizona, ADT Drilling. Richard broadened his drilling experience in the southern states, including drilling 24-inch diameter flood reverse holes for the Bureau of Reclamation. Richard and Jan expanded within British Columbia by teaming up with Richard’s brother Don, to establish J.R. Drilling Central Limited Partnership in the Kamloops area. When Richard and Jan retired in 2005, the Cranbrook branch and the Kamloops branch were sold separately, forming two distinct companies. J.R. Drilling Central hired Richard as a Technical Advisor and Senior Trainer, and we consider ourselves fortunate that he is able to share his vast knowledge of the industry with our team.