Sonic Drilling Supplies Ltd has been appointed by Italy's Marini Srl as the official and exclusive UK and Ireland dealer for its line of drilling rigs and accessories. Daniel Bullivant, contracts manager at Sonic Drilling Supplies, stated the strategic partnership not only expands the range of high-performance drilling solutions available in both markets but also strengthens after-sales support for existing and future customers.
Bullivant went on to say: "Sonic Drilling Supplies will now combine its customer-focused mindset with Marini's extensive portfolio of cutting-edge equipment—bringing Italian engineering excellence to a wider network of contractors."
Major fleet additions
As part of this new collaboration, Sonic Drilling Supplies is introducing two significant additions to its fleet, drill rigs that will raise the benchmark for productivity, efficiency, and versatility in deep foundation works. The new models are the MR-P 750 CFA EX and the MR-C 90.
MR-P 750 CFA EX
Described as "the new benchmark in CFA piling", the MR-P 750 in CFA EX (Extended) configuration is one of Marini's latest designs. Purpose-built for Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piling, the crawler-mounted rig is engineered in Italy, combining precision manufacturing with robust performance and long-term reliability.
Beyond CFA works, Sonic drilling Supplies' MR-P 750 will also be available with a Micropile kit, featuring the chain feed system, a double clamp with 420mm pass-through, and an intuitive touch-screen control interface. These additions make the MR-P 750 a true multipurpose rig, adaptable to a wide range of drilling tasks.
Powered by a John Deere 140hp motor, the MR-P 750 offers 50–60% lower fuel consumption under equivalent operating conditions compared to excavator-based rigs. This is achieved through operation at a 75% average load on engine and hydraulics, compared to 90–95% for converted excavators, significantly extending component lifespan. The purpose-built hydraulics, based around a Bosch Rexroth pump and Hawe valves, offer optimised load management to ensure consistent high power, smooth operation, and reliability.
Marini's MW system combines the feed chain motor with the main winch to deliver 10t of smooth pull-down force and 22t of extraction power. The operator-friendly system allows for fast conversion to bored pile applications.
The M-Tronic System, the onboard computer, provides parameter setting, GPS, and remote diagnostics.
The MR-P 750 CFA EX will be available from October in Sonic's rental fleet—offering contractors the chance to experience firsthand a machine that has the potential to change the way CFA piling is carried out in the UK and Ireland.
MR-C 90
Designed for small-diameter works such as anchoring and micropiling, the MR-C 90, a crawler-mounted drilling rig with an operating weight of around 15t, has been refined over years of development, which Bullivant stated has resulted in a rig that delivers unmatched agility, flexibility, and power.
Bullivant went on to explain that the MR-C 90 offers flexible kinematics due to being mounted on a 360-degree rotating slewing ring with dual gear motors that provide full stability even when drilling horizontally with the mast fully extended. The two-section boom offers extended reach above and below ground level, including tunnelling applications.
The rig's stability is further improved by the extendable undercarriage (2.4–2.9m) that forms a near-square footprint for equal stability on all sides.
The MR-C 90 is equipped with Hawe hydraulic valves and the M-Tronic remote connectivity system, enabling real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and parameter adjustment by both dealer and manufacturer. In addition, it is fully radio-controlled for safe, efficient movement and positioning, and its smaller footprint, compared to 25–30 t excavators typically needed for similar mast sizes, makes it ideal for compact or restricted-access sites.
The current unit on order will be paired with the HB 45 drifter from Terra Infrastructure—a proven and powerful combination for high-production anchoring and micropiling works.
A complete line-op
Alongside these two new arrivals, Sonic Drilling Supplies is also introducing the entire Marini range to the UK and Irish markets. The range is made up of the MR-Line, slope stabilisation wagon drills; MR-S Line, compact, lightweight masts for scaffold or crane use; MR-C Line, crawler drill rigs from 1.5t to 24t; MR-P Line, compact multipurpose piling rigs for bored and CFA piles; Quarry Line, equipment for the natural stone industry, including drills, wire saws, and accessories;
Drifters, a full range of pneumatic, hydro-pneumatic, and hydraulic models; and rotary heads, pneumatic and hydraulic rotary heads, including high-speed coring heads
Looking ahead
"With Marini's engineering expertise and Sonic Drilling Supplies' commitment to service and innovation, this partnership is set to deliver more than just new machines," Bullivant said. "It's about offering revolutionary, cost-effective, and durable solutions that help contractors work smarter, safer, and more profitably.
"Together, we aim to grow alongside our customers—providing the tools, support, and know-how to meet the challenges of tomorrow's foundation projects."
