Who We Are
Pioneers in HDD
Our story takes us back to the 1970s, in the very first years of horizontal directional drilling (HDD). John Mercer, an experienced engineer, collaborated with industry greats like Martin Cherrington to develop key technologies that made HDD more efficient and accessible. However, he noticed that at that time, all underground drilling systems lacked accurate guidance and generally needed multiple potholes to find the boring device at the terminus of the run. With his innovative mind and passion for improving the industry, he set to work creating a new kind of HDD locator that would set the industry standard and take it to new heights.
DCI Takes Flight
Once the technology was in place, John reunited with his longtime friend and colleague Peter Hambling to build a business around it. With his business acumen, the duo founded Digital Control Incorporated in 1990, a company dedicated to developing high-performing, easy-to-use HDD technology. What started as a small operation in John’s home quickly grew into a global leader, pioneering solutions that continue to shape the future of the industry. Today, DCI remains a trusted name in the trenchless technology space, always focused on providing the best solutions for drillers.
DCI Values
It is our mission to stay at the cutting edge of technology, continuously innovating to make the HDD process easier, faster, and more reliable. And we accomplish that with a dedication to quality, reliability, and support.
- Quality: We are proudly Made in America, with 95% of our design, manufacturing, and repair taking place in our office in Kent, Washington. We take our time to do things right, with the most testing in the market.
- Reliability: With a brain trust more than 200 years of combined industry knowledge, everything we do is backed by expertise. We create HDD products that work as hard as you do, with the best technology and performance.
- Support: We treat our customers like an extension of our family, backed by a dedicated and dependable American Customer Service team that’s always there when you need them.
At DCI, we create more than products—we’re focused on building an ecosystem of tools, people, and technology that can help you start—and grow—your HDD business.