Great Yarmouth-based Survival Systems International UK is to open its first service company in Australia.
The new operation will be led by former apprentice Sam Dye as regional manager based out of Melbourne, starting early next year.
US-owned SSI has manufactured single-cable launched survival capsules for the offshore oil and gas industry for more than 40 years. It also provides servicing.
SSI’s Australia office and workshop will create a third international outlet overseen by the Great Yarmouth base, adding to those already in Dubai and Malaysia.
George Teece, SSI’s vice-president eastern hemisphere operations, said: “Australia has long been a target for our future growth and development and I am really excited about opening another service company for SSI.”
Mr Dye joined SSI as apprentice in 2005, with day release to Great Yarmouth College, and is now senior technician with worldwide experience at the company’s Gapton Hall base.
“It’s a great personal opportunity for me and an excellent start to our new company in Australia. Our long-term goal is to expand our operation across the continent,” he said.
SSI has 40 staff in the UK and five in Australia and is looking to grow at both bases.