SPECIALIST oilfield production-chemical company Champion Technologies is investing £4.5million at its eastern hemisphere headquarters in Aberdeen.
The US group is spending the money on a technology and research and development centre at its base in Peterseat Drive, Altens.
The centre, which will replace smaller facilities at the location, is expected to open in December.
No new jobs are anticipated initially, but the company hopes to recruit additional people in the future.
The new centre will work in partnership with Champion’s laboratories and technical centres in the Netherlands, Houston, Calgary, Moscow, Singapore and Dubai.
Harry Montgomerie, Champion’s business-unit manager for the eastern hemisphere division, said: “The specifically designed new facilities in Aberdeen will allow us to deliver a more integrated and efficient service, helping to support our long-term commitment to provide best-in-class solutions to our clients.
“The facility will also help attract and retain the best technical professionals in the industry.”
In the Middle East, Champion has opened an office in Dubai.
Alan MacLean recently moved from being UK business manager in Aberdeen to regional manager for the Middle East. He said: “Our office in Dubai allows us to operate more independently and will enable Champion to better support our businesses across the Middle East by providing a solid platform for future business growth.”
Champion describes itself as the world’s fastest growing speciality chemical company for the oil and gas industry.
Its headquarters are in Houston and it operates across more than 40 countries, employing about 2,000 people, including 112 at the Aberdeen base.