UK firm invests millions in new facility to support North Sea oil & gas industry

Aberdeen-based safety equipment manufacturer Dräger Marine & Offshore, a subsidiary of Dräger, has revealed a multi-million-pound investment in a new facility, which the firm describes as a demonstration of its commitment to the North Sea energy industry.

According to Dräger Marine & Offshore, the new base at ABZ Business Park in Dyce – measuring almost 2,000m^{2 –} allows the company to not only respond to the customer needs of today but to continue to grow its support to the industry and adapt to the ever-evolving requirements as the sector moves into its new phase.

Euan McIntosh, Dräger Marine & Offshore Marketing Manager, commented: “We are delighted to have opened the new centre as we cement our place as the only safety equipment manufacturer based in Aberdeen. No one else in the region can compete when it comes to a comparable offer, and the feedback from the 100 attendees at a recent open day was great.”

Furthermore, the new facility will enable the firm to stock equipment which is available for hire and deployment straight away, alleviating concerns for customers when inevitable short notice requirements arise, explains Dräger Marine & Offshore.

“The increased space we have in Dyce means that we are able to welcome more people to the site, and look forward to showing it off to current and prospective clients to demonstrate how they can benefit from our service as they come to terms with the next phase in the exciting journey for North Sea oil and gas,” added McIntosh.

In addition, this facility is expected to help ease concerns around supply chain delivery, with the organisation’s location and £600,000 (about $713,597)investment in on-site stock availability. This means that it is able to respond to the demands of its customers with no risk as many companies struggle to obtain safety-critical equipment.

Matthew Bedford, Dräger Managing Director UK & Ireland, remarked: “This new facility gives us room to breathe, room to grow and the flexibility to adapt alongside the industry. After outgrowing our previous space, we are delighted to invest in the future of this industry. We plan to continue growing our offering to the North Sea and look forward to supporting our customers with expertise when and where they need it.”

Dräger Marine & Offshore has had a presence in Granite City since 2010, and its new base in Dyce marks a new phase in its association with the North Sea. Aside from housing sales and customer service staff, the company explained that the new building also boasts training facilities including confined space entry and working at height facilities, training courses including Authorised Gas Tester (AGT), BA wearer and maintenance training and a service and maintenance centre.

“We know the industry is changing, and that pace of change is something that can be difficult for some organisations to adapt to. However, with our expertise in training and provision of the right equipment, we help customers make sure they make that transition smoothly, and most importantly, safely,” elaborated Bedford.

Moreover, Dräger experts will be on hand in the coming months providing lunch and learn sessions for existing and potential clients, as part of its increased offering from the new base.

“While there are concerns about our energy security given the global climate, one thing we know for sure is that North Sea oil and gas will be required for many years to come, and we are proud to play a part in ensuring that is done safely,” concluded Bedford.