Aberdeen firm Hydro Group can simulate the intense pressures of thousands of feet below sea level to test subsea cabling after a £250,000 investment in new equipment.
The firm, which designs and manufactures cables and connectors for customers in the oil & gas, renewable-energy, defence and aerospace industries, said yesterday its new hydrostatic pressure tank could pressure test large cable assemblies and equipment up to 2,200psi, simulating depths of 5,000 feet below sea level.
Managing director Doug Whyte added: “The six-figure investment into the cutting-edge technology represents a significant addition to our current capabilities.
“The new pressure vessel offers a broader range of testing, with a more accurate output, and helps further enhance the quality and scope of work we provide.”
Housed in the company’s Aberdeen headquarters, the new equipment allows Hydro Group to design and pressure test complete cable assemblies for deepwater projects in subsea, defence and other sectors.
“Evolving our product offering and in-house expertise is paramount to supporting growing client demands,” Mr Whyte said, adding: “Our team has been trained to offer a complete testing facility and has the internal capability to provide a third party testing service to the wider market.
“The new hydrostatic vessel has allowed Hydro Group staff the chance to enhance their knowledge and skill sets, while adding to our current products, representing significant growth potential for the company.”
Hydro Group, comprising Hydro Bond Engineering and Hydro Cable Systems, was founded as Hydro Bond Engineering by Mr Whyte in 1982.
It said recently its growing product range had led to staff numbers at its headquarters rising to more than 100 for the first time, while inroads into new and existing markets are expected to produce a 12% increase in turnover to more than £10million this year.