Caledus, the Aberdeen-headquartered oil and gas well-technology company, has said it is entering the Middle East market by setting up an office and manufacturing base in Dubai.
The move is part of the company’s long-term international growth plans.
Caledus, which is enjoying significant expansion from its existing bases in Aberdeen, Calgary, Houston and Perth, Australia, will herald its entry by exhibiting at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), which runs from November 3-6.
In line with its expansion into the Middle East market and its focus on the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia in particular, Caledus has agreed strategic alliances with established service companies Shoaibi Group in Saudi Arabia and Al Mazroui Trading and General Services in Abu Dhabi.
Heading the Dubai office will be John Hanton.
He will will move from his current position as region manager Europe and Africa to Middle East regional manager.
Caledus, which already employs more than 40 staff compared to just four in 2004, anticipates an increase in staff in 2009.
The company has experienced double-digit growth year-on-year for the last three years.
Paul Howlett, chief executive and co-founder of Caledus, said: “We see the Middle East as a vitally important market and are entering at a crucial time for Caledus and the industry as a whole.
“Drilling is becoming much more complex and standard equipment which has proved successful in the past is often unsuitable to the conditions. We believe our technologies can answer some of the questions posed by today’s Middle East drilling sector challenges.”
Caledus was formed in 2003 to provide drilling, completions and downhole services to the oil and gas industry.