Companies that manufacture drilling equipment are gushing earnings because of drilling activity fueled by record oil prices. T-3 Energy Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTES) manufactures so-called blowout preventers (BOPs) used on wells to prevent disasters. Circor International (NYSE:CIR) produces a variety of valves used on oil and gas wells and pipelines. 

T-3 recently shifted its focus from rebuilding and servicing other companies’ equipment to manufacturing its own equipment. This strategy shift was in response to customer requests. Its drilling customers desperately needed more subsea blowout preventers but were experiencing lengthy delays on new orders. BOPs are car-sized valves installed on wellheads that instantly seal off the well when excessive pressure is detected. T-3 added these devices to its product line last year by acquiring Energy Equipment and HP&T Products, two related companies that manufacture deep sea BOPs and related equipment. These acquisitions gave T-3 access to new technologies and markets and manufacturing capabilities at 21 locations across North America.

The company is benefiting from robust demand for its blowout preventers. Sales grew 33% last year to $217.4 million, from $163.1 million in 2006, while net income jumped 40% year-over-year to $25.3 million, or $2.15 per share, from $18.1 million, or $1.71 per share. With drilling activity on the rise, demand for blowout preventers continues to expand. China and Russia are expected to deploy 200 new drilling rigs per year over the next several years, and an additional 149 new offshore rigs are scheduled for delivery between 2008 and 2011...

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