North America Mini And Midi Horizontal Directional Drilling Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Machine Type, By Application, By Machine Size, By Parts Type, By Tooling, By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecast, 2025 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The North America mini and midi horizontal directional drilling market size was estimated at USD 1.40 billion in 2024 and is expected to register a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2030. The market growth is driven by the increasing investments in infrastructure and utility expansion across both urban and rural areas. Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology is in high demand for laying underground pipes and cables with minimal environmental disruption. It offers a solution that minimizes surface damage, making it particularly suitable for densely populated cities where traditional trenching methods would be challenging and disruptive.

The expansion of broadband internet and fiber-optic networks is also propelling demand for HDD equipment. As connectivity infrastructure grows, Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is increasingly relied upon to install these networks efficiently and cost-effectively, supporting rapid urban development and rural connectivity projects. Additionally, the shift toward renewable energy sources, especially natural gas and electricity, is driving the need for HDD in energy distribution. HDD is a preferred method for laying pipelines and cables that support sustainable energy infrastructure, aligning with environmental goals and regulatory standards in North America.

Advancements in mini and midi HDD equipment have further bolstered the market, enhancing drilling accuracy, speed, and versatility. These innovations have made HDD technology accessible to a broader range of projects, from large-scale utility installations to smaller construction needs, amplifying its adoption and presence across North America.

Machine Type Insights

The utility vibratory plow segment held the highest revenue share of 24.8% in 2024.Increasing urbanization in North America has led to more demand for utilities installation, such as gas, water, electricity, and telecommunications, which often require efficient underground cable and pipe placement. Utility vibratory plows are valued for their ability to reduce ground disturbance, making them ideal for dense urban environments where maintaining surface aesthetics is critical.

The foundation machines segment is expected to grow at fastest CAGR of 8.2% over the forecast period.Rising investments in infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and railways, drive demand for HDD foundation machines. These machines are essential for precise, non-intrusive drilling in urban and suburban areas where new infrastructure projects are being developed. Innovations in HDD technology, such as improved tracking, automation, and efficiency features, make foundation machines in mini and midi categories more accessible and effective for small to medium-sized construction firms. This enhances machine adoption across various projects.

Application Insights

The offshore segment held the largest revenue share of 64.02% in 2024.The demand for offshore oil, natural gas, and renewable energy infrastructure is expanding. Mini and midi HDD systems enable the laying of pipelines and cables beneath the seabed, crucial for offshore energy transmission and distribution, which drives adoption in the segment. Offshore HDD technology helps reduce environmental impacts and meet regulatory requirements by minimizing disturbance to marine ecosystems compared to traditional trenching methods. This environmentally sensitive approach is increasingly favored, especially with stricter environmental regulations.

The onshore segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period.The ongoing development and maintenance of oil and gas pipelines in North America encourage the use of HDD for precise and efficient installations, particularly in populated or ecologically sensitive onshore areas where traditional drilling is challenging. Rising investments in water and sewage management systems due to urbanization also support the onshore HDD segment. HDD offers a cost-effective, low-impact solution for the installation of underground utilities, which aligns with the needs of municipal and urban infrastructure.

Machine Size Insights

The midi segment held the largest revenue share of 73.27% in 2024.Growing demand for expanding and modernizing utility networks, including electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications, fuels the demand for midi HDD machines, which can manage mid-sized pipes and conduits for these projects effectively. Expanding urban and suburban regions in North America require the installation of underground utilities without disrupting surface activities. Midi HDD machines are suitable for these environments, making them a preferred choice for municipalities and developers.

The mini segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.3% over the forecast period. The push toward environmentally friendly construction practices is boosting the use of trenchless technology, with mini HDD machines offering lower environmental impact compared to traditional methods. HDD's reduced surface disruption aligns well with stricter regulations and community expectations for eco-friendly infrastructure projects. Mini HDD machines offer cost savings and shorter project timelines, making them attractive for contractors and utility companies looking to minimize overhead and expedite projects. This cost-effective approach is particularly beneficial for small-scale projects.

Part Type Insights

The rigs segment held the largest market revenue share in 2024.The expansion of oil and gas infrastructure, including pipelines for natural gas and crude oil, drives demand for HDD rigs. As exploration and production activities increase, HDD becomes a preferred method for pipeline installations.The ongoing labor shortages in construction and utility sectors push companies to adopt more efficient technologies. HDD rigs, which can be operated with fewer personnel compared to traditional methods, are appealing.

The pipes segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. HDD minimizes the risks associated with open-cut trenching methods, such as surface collapses and traffic disruptions. This focus on safety encourages its adoption in various sectors, including municipal, industrial, and commercial projects. The ability to use various pipe materials, such as PVC, HDPE, and steel, with HDD systems allows for flexibility in meeting specific project requirements. This versatility is appealing to contractors and enhances market growth.

Tooling Insights

The transition rods segment held the largest revenue share of the market in 2024. The ongoing infrastructure projects, including the installation of underground utilities, telecommunications, and pipelines, drive demand for HDD equipment, including transition rods. These projects require efficient drilling solutions to minimize surface disruption.There is an increasing preference for trenchless technology due to its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. Transition rods are essential components in this technology, facilitating the installation of various utilities with minimal excavation.

The HDD drive collars, chucks, and subs segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Continuous innovation in HDD tooling technology enhances efficiency and reduces operational costs. Advanced materials and designs improve the durability and performance of drive collars, chucks, and subs, attracting more contractors to adopt these tools.

End Use Insights

The oil & gas extraction segment held the largest market revenue share in 2024. HDD offers a more environmentally friendly drilling option compared to traditional methods, minimizing surface disruption and reducing the risk of spills, which aligns with regulatory requirements and corporate sustainability goals. The rise in urbanization and infrastructure projects necessitates drilling solutions that can navigate around existing structures, making mini and midi HDD an ideal choice for urban oil and gas extraction.

The utility segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Improvements in HDD technology, including better drilling equipment and techniques, have made it easier and more efficient to install utilities. Enhanced precision and the ability to navigate complex underground conditions have made HDD a preferred method for utility installation. Increased government regulations promoting sustainable construction practices and the reduction of surface disruption have led utilities to adopt HDD as a compliant method for installing underground infrastructure.

Regional Insights

In 2024, the U.S. dominated the North America Mini & Midi Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Market, capturing a share of 55.55%. Looking ahead, the region is expected to witness more than 500 offshore projects dedicated to petrochemical and refinery pipeline installations by 2027. These projects will necessitate the use of horizontal directional drilling techniques. As a result, the demand for mini and midi HDD machines in the North America is expected to experience significant growth. The increased activity and developments in the region will serve as driving factors for the market, creating opportunities for the HDD industry in North America.

The U.S. is North America's most significant seamless oil and tubular product consumer. The growth of offshore horizontal directional drilling machines and their ability to drill in increasing water depths has boosted the demand for mini & midi horizontal directional drilling machines. Furthermore, in 2023, the Mexican treasury announced an investment of USD 20 billion in oil exploration and production through its state-owned oil production company, Pemex. The increased developments and investments in the country are expected to propel the demand for horizontal directional drilling in the region over the forecast period.  

Key North America Mini And Midi Horizontal Directional Drilling Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include Barbco, Inc., Creighton Rock Drill Ltd., Direct Horizontal Drilling

• Barbco, Inc. is a prominent player in the North American mini and midi horizontal directional drilling (HDD) market, specializing in the manufacturing of advanced drilling equipment for various applications, including utility installation, telecommunications, and sewer projects. The company's product offerings include a range of HDD rigs, such as the Barbco Mini and Midi HDD machines, which are designed for enhanced maneuverability and efficiency in tight spaces. Additionally, Barbco provides various accessories and support tools, including locating systems and drill bits, aimed at improving the overall drilling process and ensuring precision in installations.

• Creighton Rock Drill Ltd. is a Canadian company specializing in the manufacture and distribution of equipment and services for the construction and mining industries, with a strong focus on horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The company offers a comprehensive range of mini and midi HDD machines designed for various applications, including utility installations and environmental remediation. Their product offerings include advanced drilling rigs, various tooling and accessories, and support equipment, ensuring efficient and effective drilling operations.

North America Mini And Midi Horizontal Directional Drilling Market Report Scope

North America Mini And Midi Horizontal Directional Drilling Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at regional & country levels and provides an analysis on the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the North America mini and midi horizontal directional drilling market report based on machine type, application, machine size, part type, tooling, end use, and region:

• Machine Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Utility vibratory plow

  • Utility tractor

  • Pile driver

  • Foundation machines

  • Boring machine

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Onshore

  • Offshore

• Machine Size Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Mini

  • Midi

• Parts Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Rigs

  • Pipes

  • Bits

  • Reamers

• Tooling Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Transition rods

  • HDD Drill Rods

  • HDD Paddle Bits

  • HDD Drive Collars, Chucks, and Subs

  • HDD Swivels & Pulling Equipment

  • Others

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Oil & gas extraction

  • Utility

  • Telecommunication

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • U.S.

  • Canada

  • Mexico