OIL service firm NOV Elmar UK has unveiled a larger north-east manufacturing facility and announced plans to add a further 25 people to its local workforce.
The Westhill-based designer and manufacturer of wellhead pressure-control equipment opened the devel-opment to oil and gas industry figures this week to showcase its products, including the Elmar Dual Drum Slickline Truck.
The new facility – which cost a multimillion-pound sum – includes 37,000 square feet of manufacturing space and an advanced pressure test-bay.
Andrew Douglas, general manager of NOV Elmar UK said: “The additional space provided by our Westhill facility has allowed assembly output to rise from £16.5million in 2006 to a projected £26.5million in 2008.
“The facility has made it possible for the company to more than double the production of equipment including winches and masts, and also to manufacture greater quantities of large-scale equipment such as our new Slickline Truck.
“The Slickline Truck has already secured the single largest order in the company’s 27-year history. A £5.25million order for 25 vehicles, including eight Slickline Trucks, and additional equipment has been secured with Algerian oil and gas company Groupe ENSP.”
The Westhill workforce has now grown to 265 and a projected 25 extra staff will be needed by the end of 2009.
NOV Elmar UK has projected turnover of about £40million this year.
NOV Elmar employs 400 people worldwide with offices and manufacturing sites in Dubai, Singapore, Houston, Minsk and Perth, Australia. It is part of National Oilwell Varco, a US-based provider of oilfield products and services to the worldwide oil and gas industry.
Aberdeen-based Senergy has announced its third acquisition this year, with the purchase of LEA (Leading Edge Advantage), a well-engineering consultant specialising in advanced drilling techniques, for an undisclosed sum.
Senergy said yesterday LEA would complement its expertise in wellbore and well performance.
Dennis Donald, a founder and former chairman of LEA, and former LEA corporate director Duncan MacNiven are not joining Senergy.
They are moving on with their new operating company, Warrego Energy.