Oil service giant NOV said today that it had invested £41.7million in its new base in Kintore, Aberdeenshire.
NOV employs more than 300 people at the site, where its Dyce, Westhill and Netherlands facilities have been combined.
The move has helped NOV increase its headcount by more than 65 to service contract wins in the Middle East.
The Houston-headquartered firm said the investment in the 210,000 sq ft base was its largest in the UK in recent years.
It houses NOV’s research and development centre for wireline equipment, boasting manufacturing capability for winches, masts, pressure control equipment and tubulars.
After sales support for NOV intervention equipment in Europe, Africa and the CIS will also be provided from Kintore.
David Brebner, vice-president of NOV’s wireline division, said the building demonstrated the firm’s commitment to the north-east.
Mr Brebner said: “We have on-going business in the North Sea and we have seen an increase in this market during the past six months with both our UK and Norwegian customers.
“North and West Africa are both strong markets for us and we’ve secured several multi-million deals for equipment sales and service in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
“Therefore our skilled and experienced team in Aberdeen is perfectly positioned to service all of our customers in the Eastern Hemisphere.”
Bill Cattanach, head of supply chain at Oil and Gas Authority, said: “NOV’s commitment underlines the central role the supply chain is playing in delivering innovation in helping to maximise economic recovery.”