Apex Tubulars Inspection Services has invested £1m in expanding its operations following significant contract wins for casing and drill-pipe repair services to the oil and gas industry.
The Aberdeen-based company plans to open a machine shop and create 12 jobs to support its 65 staff currently working in the North Sea region. The group claims that this will double its bespoke shop workforce and add around £3m of turnover to the company.
Apex managing director, Jim Geddie, said: ‘I am very pleased with the initial success of the machine shop and it is hard to believe it was only an idea a year ago. Although it was built in response to client demand, investing in a downturn is always a risk. However, this was one we felt compelled to take given our strategic vision for the development of the company. The initial contracts secured signal a very bright future and we are very keen to get the facility working to full capacity.
‘Being an independent company allows us to be flexible and meet the needs of the industry. The machine shop enhanced by the range of repair and manufacturing services for which we cater will help us expand our business in the north east and provide development opportunities for existing staff and create a need for recruitment of additional employees. We have a programme of continued regional investment and expansion, which will ensure we remain at the forefront of the industry.’
The new facility will house a range of machines including CNC and manual lathes and vertical and horizontal borers. The company has also extended its range of services to include repair and manufacturing of valves, pipes, connectors wireline and wellhead equipment.
Engineering industry reacts to Reeves' budget
I´d have to say - ´help´ - in the longer term. It is well recognised that productivity in the UK lags well behind our major industrial competitors and...