Evolution™ Drilling System Wins World Oil Innovation Award

Win highlights Newpark's ongoing commitment to new technology

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Oct 29, 2010, 06:00 ET

HOUSTON, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At the 9th Annual World Oil Innovation Awards, Newpark Drilling Fluids garnered industry-wide recognition for its cutting-edge technology, winning the award for Best Drilling, Completions & Production Fluids with its Evolution™ drilling fluid system. Newpark was selected over Halliburton, Baker Hughes, M-I SWACO and China National Petroleum Corp.

Heralded as one of the industry's most prestigious and coveted honors, World Oil convenes a panel of leading academics and executives each year to recognize innovative technologies and companies shaping the global future of the upstream oil and gas industry.

"We are honored to be recognized by World Oil and to stand with fellow innovators in the industry," said Bruce Smith, President of Newpark Drilling Fluids. "Our Evolution drilling fluid system is proof that the future of our industry, regardless of what challenges develop, lies in ongoing innovation. This is only the beginning."

Originally conceived as a Haynesville-specific drilling fluid solution, the Evolution system provides operators in emerging unconventional resource plays worldwide with a clean, yet robust alternative to the oil-based fluids historically required in harsh drilling environments.

"Earlier this year, an EnergyPoint Research customer-satisfaction survey named us number-one in the drilling fluids products category. Now, World Oil magazine has recognized us as the top innovator in the category, bringing us full circle in less than 12 months," said Paul Howes, CEO of parent company Newpark Resources (NYSE: NR). "From service to technology, we are ahead of the pack."

The World Oil Awards—hosted by World Oil magazine, a leading oil and gas trade journal for the exploration, drilling and production sector—cover all aspects of the upstream industry. The program, now in its ninth year, benefits leading universities that provide education for careers in the petroleum industry.

About Newpark Drilling Fluids

Newpark Drilling Fluids is a service-driven provider of customized and integrated drilling fluid solutions. Its history of global technological breakthroughs and on-the-ground expertise continues to drive customer success around the world. Newpark Drilling Fluids has an established presence in international markets, including Canada, Brazil, Europe, Africa and elsewhere. The Houston-based company is a unit of Newpark Resources, Inc. For more information, visit www.newparkdf.com.