Energy services giant Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE) opened its £31 million centre of excellence in Montrose this morning.
Scottish Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse is due to speak at the inauguration ceremony for the base, which will deliver engineering, manufacturing, testing, assembly and services for deepwater technology.
The project was supported by a £4.9m grant from the Scottish government, through Scottish Enterprise.
The base is one of the most advanced in the world, boasting facilities for testing and assembly, research and development and workforce training.
Employees will have access to virtual reality tools, industrial 3D printing, automation and sensor-equipped machines.
Equipment built at the centre will be capable of supporting projects across the world.
The firm intends to develop products which can lower costs, enhance productivity and lower the carbon footprint of oil and gas operations in demanding environments.
Neil Saunders, chief executive, BHGE Oilfield Equipment, said: “BHGE is committed to bringing the most innovative subsea technology and solutions to market to help our customers improve productivity.
“Our industry is transforming and sites like this will enable us to continue to invent and produce these technologies at an accelerated pace.
“This facility benefits from great backing by the Scottish government; the support demonstrates the commitment we all have to this region and the people who work here.”
Paul Lewis, managing director, Scottish Development International, said: “The energy industry is one of Scotland’s leading sectors and Scottish Enterprise is honoured to support BHGE in the creation of this Center of Excellence and advanced manufacturing campus in Montrose.
“This is a major investment by BHGE and is further evidence of Scotland’s attractiveness as the top location for inward investment in the UK after London.
“The opening of these facilities marks an exciting milestone and reflects the hard work by the project team to get here. They should be proud of the leading-edge solutions for the subsea sector that will be created in Montrose and exported around the world.”
