S.V. Sylvia, one of the first two ships acquired in 1874
The Hunting Fleet
Charles Hunting purchases two second-hand sailing ships, Genii and Sylvia, forming the basis of the Hunting Fleet and setting up his son, Charles Samuel in the family business.
SS Duffield, Hunting's first dedicated bulk oil tanker
Oil Tanker Investment
With the discovery of oil in the mid 19th century, Charles Hunting recognised its importance and invested in a series of oil ventures as well as steamships.
Percy Hunting (1885-1973)
Hunting for Oil
Percy and Lindsay Hunting travel the world investigating opportunities for oil exploitation.
Lindsay Hunting in his aeroplane during World War One
The Great War
Percy and Lindsay Hunting transfer to the Royal Flying Crops, serving in modern day Iraq and Pakistan respectively, introducing an interest in aviation.
1930s "nodding donkey" oil well pump
Oil in the USA
Hunting invests in oil production in the USA through the Brazos-Young Corporation, subsequently Tenkay Resources
Avro Lancaster bomber outside the company's hangar at Tollerton, Nottingham in 1945
The Second World War
Hunting helps the war effort by building fuselages, trail frames and other equipment for Britain’s heavy bombers, establishing business interests in aviation servicing and giving rise to precision engineering skills.
The Hunting Horn in Badentoy
The horn is born
The distinctive winged horn is first seen on the Hunting Aviation diary.
Hunting Defence
World class defence company is established whose precision engineering skills eventually give rise to the formation of the oilfield service company.
School children departing a Hunting-Clan Viscount in Longong Heathrow, 1959
Hunting air travel
Hunting operates Hunting Clan Airways from the newly opened Heathrow airport. Government pressure resulted in the fleet being merged with other carriers to form what is now British Airways.
Hunting Jet Provost, jet trainer with over 500 built
Hunting Jet Provost
Post-war development of aircraft continued with the introduction of the Hunting Jet Provost, a highly successful jet trainer with over 700 built. The aircraft type was still in service with the Royal Air Force until 1993
HOSL Great Yarmouth
Oilfield expansion
Offices opened in Middle East, Norway, Houston, and Asia.
mv Tyne Bridge, ore/bulk/oil carrier, largest ship ever built for Hunting Fleet
Shipowning ceases
Shipowning activities cease after 113 years.
Lockheed Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft with Irvin brake chute
Acquisition of Irvin Aerospace
The largest acquisition to date, $44 million, brings parachute manufacture into the Hunting portfolio.
Products were designed for military use and bespoke projects such as the braking mechanism for the Lockheed Blackbird and Donald Campbell's land speed record.
Hunting Oilfield Services facility in Altens
Public company – A new era
Petroleum retailing, lubricants and specialised products were added to the portfolio and increasingly outside capital was brought into the business to fund expansion during the sixties and seventies. The hitherto privately owned Hunting interests went public in three separate, though interrelated quoted companies.
The situation was simplified in 1989 under Clive Hunting when all three were merged into the present Hunting PLC. His nephew Richard Hunting subsequently succeeded to the chair, taking up the reins as the company entered this new era.
Period of strategic acquisitions
The Company has sought to consolidate its global footprint through organic investment and selective acquisition, establishing itself as a key provider of precision engineering services and products to blue-chip clients around the world.
Acquisition of Interlock Technologies
Hunting acquired Interlock Technologies with a view to take the SEAL-LOCK threaded connection product line to an international OCTG market, and that technology remains a key item of IP in Hunting’s stable.
Acquisition of National Coupling Company
Solidifies Huntings presence in the subsea sector.
Acquisition of Innova-Extel
US based electronics company producing technology for directional drilling.
Acquisition of Titan Group
US-based provider of perforating gun systems, shaped charges, well logging instrumentation, perforating gun switches and other engineered hardware used in the drilling, completion and maintenance of oil and gas wells.
Dearborn facility in Fryeburg, Maine
Acquisition of Dearborn
US based specialist precision machining service provider.
Acquisition of W L Doffing
US-based provider of equipment used for measurement-while-drilling (MWD) and logging-while-drilling (LWD).
Acquisition of Specialty Supply
US based specialist precision machining service provider
Acquisition of Enpro Subsea
Producer of subsea production enhancing technologies.
The 2030 strategy
Hunting set out its 2030 Strategy which will deliver strong growth through to the end of the decade and beyond, enhanced shareholder returns, and more diversification of revenue as Hunting continues its evolution and relevance for the markets of today and tomorrow.
Hunting is undergoing yet another evolution as it establishes itself as a precision manufacturer, utilising its global presence and strong portfolio of patented IP to deliver mission critical products to a range of sectors and markets including energy, renewables, aviation, medical and defence.
"Our 2030 strategy is a resilient, long-term strategy, whilst reducing the cyclicality of the business and lowering carbon emissions.
The strategy, which is underpinned by four strategic pillars, will be delivered through Hunting’s current portfolio of businesses as well as through targeted bolt-on acquisitions."
Jim Johnson (CEO)
Our Four Pillars
Strategic pillars to deliver growth in the long term:
1
Operational excellence
We will deliver reliable products, which are quality-assured to the highest industry standards, offer improved cost efficiencies, and assist safer processes for our customers.
2
Strong returns
To reduce the impact of oil and gas cyclicality on profitability, Hunting is targeting opportunities in the energy transition sector and also to grow its revenue from the commercial space, defence, medical and power generation sectors.
3
ESG and sustainability
We are committed to acting with high standards of integrity and creating positive, long-lasting relationships with our customers, suppliers, employees and the wider communities in which we operate.
4
Growth
Developing our global presence and supplying a comprehensive range of products used in the wellbore and through expansion into complementary non-oil and gas sectors, delivering a diversified portfolio of products, in strategic global locations.
The Hunting 2030 Strategy will lead the Group into the energy transition, aviation, commercial space, defence, medical and power generation sectors, all built around our culture of technology, innovation and adaptability.
The energy transition sector is an area of significant opportunity for Hunting, as global efforts to decarbonise the energy supply chain accelerate.
We envisage strong growth in supplying products for geothermal as well as carbon capture and storage projects, which are increasingly demanding high performance technology and materials.
Training, development and retention of our skilled employees will ensure that our strong culture remains intact and Hunting’s robust health and safety record is maintained.
Hunting will continue to focus on reducing its carbon emissions through operational effectiveness and drive efficiencies through continuous improvement.
We will continue to engage with and support the communities located around our operations through a wide range of activities, including fund raising events or community donations.
Each region will continue to develop their own community engagement initiatives to align with local cultural practices as well as Hunting’s values.