In 1902, at the age of 20, Herman C. Smith began the company in a blacksmith shop in the small town of Whittier, California, U.S.A. An unexpected business developed in his blacksmith shop when oil was discovered in surrounding towns. The local drilling operators needed crude fishtail bits sharpened and Herman had the required skills. Applying his knowledge of metals, Herman used his equipment for oil tool modification and improvement. At times, he designed and constructed new tools on demand. From that modest beginning, SMITH grew into a globally-diversified, Fortune 500 oilfield tools and services company with Corporate Headquarters located in Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
H.C. Smith founded the company with a mission and philosophy which continues to this day: “…we have dedicated ourselves to the task of creating and perfecting tools and equipment that will lessen the burden and increase the efficiency of drilling for all our customers.”
Operating through three business units, Smith Oilfield, M-I SWACO, and Wilson, the Company provides a comprehensive line of technologically-advanced products and engineering services.
