2025 marked one of the most significant steps in WORD’s history. After years of operating across two separate locations, the company officially commissioned the build of a new 20,000 square-foot facility in late 2024 and made the final move towards bringing the entire team under one roof for the first time in the final weeks of 2025. This move not only supports WORD’s rapid growth but also strengthens the company’s ability to serve customers with greater speed, consistency, and capacity.
From humble beginnings, WORD was founded in 2006 by John and Lisa Patterson, and has been no stranger to growth, change, and adaptability from the start. Originally formed as a small parts company with a simple mission to source and provide reliable drilling components for customers with machines no longer serviced by the original manufacturer, they soon transitioned into their first major area of growth. Recognizing the need for versatile attachment drilling options across various industries, the Pattersons’ drive to innovate quickly propelled the company beyond parts distribution and into manufacturing. Through listening to the needs of contractors, small and large, they expanded into designing and manufacturing drilling attachments for skid steers and excavators. In making this shift, WORD has continued to develop and serve a wide range of customers throughout the small-hole drilling market worldwide.
A Multi-Generational Legacy with a Woman at the Helm
WORD entered into its era of Woman-Owned leadership in 2019 when the company ownership transitioned to the founders’ daughter, Paige Patterson Chrisco, and became a multi-generational enterprise. Committed to operational excellence, product innovation, and team development, Paige continuously drives the company to new heights. Under her leadership, WORD has experienced transformative growth, doubling the size of its team and more than tripling annual drill production. With this momentum, WORD has achieved formal recognition as a Women-Owned Small Business through the National Association of Women in Construction, a milestone that further supports the company’s growing presence within the equipment manufacturing industry.
In building their next home, WORD has optimized their space to increase drill production and efficiency across departments. Through key features that are now integrated into their daily workspace, the WORD team will be able to better execute the company’s core value to “Row Together”, further solidifying the partnership that their customers value when purchasing a WORD machine.
Inside the New Facility: Built for Efficiency, Innovation, and Growth
- 15,000 Sq. Ft. of Dedicated Shop Space
Sitting at about twice the size of their previous shop space, the expansion provides room to support increased production volume and streamline build processes.
- Two Automated Inventory Storage and Retrieval Systems
Investing in technology, WORD is utilizing two vertical lift storage units by Modula. These units operate as highly sophisticated vending machines capable of storing over 10,000 drill parts and components while increasing accuracy, inventory control, and fulfillment speed. These systems will enable WORD to maintain a robust inventory for on-demand customer orders.
- Integrated Overhead Crane System
Designing their processes around efficiency, the addition of an overhead crane system will streamline processes and enhance safety when moving heavy parts and assemblies during the build process.
- Expanded Yard Space
Recognizing the importance of availability for drilling contractors, an expanded yard space will allow for storing a higher volume of new stock drills and rental units, supporting faster delivery and more flexible rental options.
- Designated Rental Repair and Rebuild Bay
This dedicated zone will allow technicians to turn around rental equipment quickly and offer complete in-house rebuild services for customers wanting to extend the life of their WORD Drills.
- Collaborative Workspaces
Finally bringing all of their processes under one roof, this space will provide the administrative, engineering, and customer support teams with improved communication flow and the ability to manage projects more cohesively.
A Strong Future for Women in Construction Manufacturing
As a women-owned company in a traditionally male-dominated industry, WORD’s momentum reflects a broader shift across construction as more women are leading, building, and transforming the landscape of equipment manufacturing. Paige Chrisco’s leadership continues to push the organization toward greater innovation, higher manufacturing capacity, and stronger customer relationships. From a small parts supplier to an industry-recognized manufacturer of high-quality drilling attachments, WORD Rock Drills has built its reputation on adaptability, customer-focused solutions, and the belief that strong companies grow stronger across generations. With its new facility and expanding team, WORD is poised for the next decade of advancement, driven by women, powered by innovation, and committed to serving drilling contractors across the country and beyond.
