About us
Since 1984, PSD has combined family values with expertise, delivering the highest levels of service. We've worked on projects large and small, all over the world and been proud recipients of the Queen's Award for Enterprise
Since 1984, PSD has combined family values with expertise, delivering the highest levels of service. We've worked on projects large and small, all over the world and been proud recipients of the Queen's Award for Enterprise
PSD (Pigott Shaft Drilling Limited) was founded in 1984 by Colin Pigott. As shaft drilling contractors, PSD developed bentonite mud cleaning equipment for its own use and soon moved into the supply of mud cleaning equipment for drilling applications. Colin studied Civil Engineering at Aberdeen University, he designed and built the TITAN reverse circulation rig, which would drill blind shafts up to 4m in diameter to depths of over 300m. He also developed innovative rock roller bit techniques that were used to excavate the central piers of the Thames Barrier, saving many months on that project. Colin is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Our “can do” approach and focus on what’s important to our customers means that we offer a superior level of service on a wide range of projects, worldwide. Much of our work is repeat order, based on the relationships we build with our clients.
PSD has always been a family-owned business, however, the company’s day-to-day operations are managed by a team with more than 75 years of service with PSD, while the Pigott family remain involved in maintaining the company’s direction and values.
Our in-house engineering team designs high performance, modular equipment to separate solids from liquids for civil engineering applications. Using advanced 3D CAD design to combine years of experience with heavy duty components ensures reliability.
For years, we have invested in equipment to build the rental fleet to a level where we can support projects from small to large. We continually reinvest in keeping the fleet up to date and relevant to the changing needs of our customers.
Managing Director, Michael Rowlinson joined PSD in 1996, progressing to become Operations Director in 2012 and following the retirement of Adam Beeby in 2024, Michael became MD. Throughout his time with PSD, Michael has been heavily involved with the design of most of the current fleet as well as working as a plant operator on site. He has supervised the design, preparation and assembly of major project installations as far afield as Hong Kong and Singapore. Prior to joining PSD, he gained useful experience in general civil engineering and construction, working for Taylor Woodrow Construction after being sponsored by the company while studying Construction Management at Salford University.
PSD’s Plant Director, Matt Moran has wide ranging experience of setting up, commissioning and running PSD’s equipment, including major installations for large diameter tunnels as well as smaller plant for diaphragm walling, piling, HDD and other applications. Matt is an Electrician by trade and joined the company in 2000 as a trainee plant operator, having served his time at BNFL. Since then, he has become an expert on PLC control systems for the centrifuge fleet, becoming Plant Manager in 2019 and joining the board in 2024. Amongst other things, Matt looks after specification new plant and upgrades to existing plant.
PSD’s Engineering & Technical Manager, Jonathan Gaymer, joined the company in 2020 as a Mechanical Design Engineer, rapidly progressing to Senior Mechanical Engineer and assuming his current role in August 2024. Throughout his time at PSD, Jonathan’s responsibilities have expanded from design and specification of equipment, both new and upgraded, to planning & logistics for equipment rentals, and more recently, business development and initial specification of plant for new projects. Jonathan graduated from The University of Sheffield in 2017 with an MEng in Aerospace Engineering, having specialised in Aeromechanics.
Plant Yard Foreman, Paul Devaney joined PSD in 2006 as an electrician, fitter and plant operator. He completed his apprenticeship while living in South Africa and since joining PSD, has worked on projects worldwide, including in Australia, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK. In 2020, Paul’s extensive experience and hands-on expertise meant that he was the best choice for the role of Plant Yard Foreman, leading PSD’s multi-disciplinary team responsible for the manufacturing and maintenance of equipment that we send all over the world.
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