John Crane Asset Management Solutions (JCAMS), which provides maintenance services for oil and gas clients, has revealed plans to “implant its DNA” in other regions and industry sectors.
JCAMS believes competing and thriving in the harsh environment of the north-east during a downturn has prepared the company for doing business elsewhere.
The John Crane organisation evolved its traditional seals offering by entering into the asset management market via the purchase of XPD8 from Aberdeen entrepreneur Mark Cavanagh in October 2015.
John Morrison, general manager at JCAMS, said the company is now aiming to attract new clients and grow into other areas, including paper and pulp. The company recently won a major contract in the US which will see JCAMS supply condition-based maintenance services to a major oil refinery directly from Aberdeen.
Mr Morrison said: “Our staff will be working closely with the plant’s personnel to build up knowledge and processes before moving on, thereby leaving a legacy where the plant can leverage best practice and continue to deliver business value. We not only keep, but grow the current business. We’re not going to take our core business for granted. It’s very important that we keep our current clients and make sure that side of the business is happy. Then we’ll expand upon that.”
The company has managed to maintain its headcount throughout the worst years of the downturn and is now looking to expand. Based at Centurion Court on North Esplanade West, JCAMS has 47 employees in Aberdeen, five in London, and is looking to hire in the US.
Mr Morrison joined JCAMS about 20 months ago from Petrofac where he headed up its European maintenance consultancy department. He said he now feels fortunate to work for a company which has been busy, sustaining growth and keeping hold of staff. The opposite has been true for many north-east businesses.
Recent successes include the award of a data services contract worth more than £1million for Maersk Oil’s giant Culzean project. The contract is expected to support the planned maintenance strategy at one of the largest new developments in the UK North Sea.
The company also won a maintenance build contract for Dana Petroleum’s Western Isles project.
JCAMS is now keen to take advantage of its position as part of the larger John Crane group, which employs more than 6,500 staff around the world.
Mr Morrison, who also spent 29 years working with BP in Aberdeen, said: “With John Crane, we have access to a wider network of clients. John Crane has 3,000 clients in 200 countries and we are trying to make use of that.
“As we win contracts we will implant our DNA in different regions and hire local people.
“John Crane has been promoting us to clients. They’re very supportive of us, but that does need to result in work and we’re starting to see results now.
“The challenge I have is to satisfy demand. I want us to retain our business and grow in Aberdeen while also continuing to grow globally and developing people in key international markets. It’s an exciting time for the company.”