EFC Group launches next phase of expansion in Forres

24th May 2013

EFC Group, a leading designer and manufacturer of instrumentation, monitoring, handling and control systems for the global oil and gas industry, has announced the launch of a new manufacturing plant in Moray.

The base in the Enterprise Park, Forres marks the Group’s second phase of expansion in the area and a £100,000 investment. This follows the opening of a new satellite office in the same business park in September 2012.

David Oxley, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Area Manager in Moray, said: “We are delighted to welcome EFC Group as the latest company to locate their international business in Moray. Setting up in a new location is a decision no business takes lightly.

“At the Enterprise Park, Forres, EFC has been able to find the right employees and a location where the buildings and environment match the ambitions for its business. HIE looks forward to working alongside EFC Group as it grows and develops its business in the coming years.”

The new 4,000ft² plant has been opened six months ahead of schedule, demonstrating how EFC Group is driving forward its aggressive growth strategy. The company achieved turnover of £14million last year and projects it will exceed £30million turnover by 2016.

Talking about the move to Enterprise Park, EFC Group CEO Bob Will said: “HIE and Horizon Scotland centre staff could not have supported us more. They demonstrated there was a real opportunity to build on our presence in Forres and to facilitate a smooth transition into this phase two plan more quickly than anticipated.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to open our second Scottish manufacturing facility, which will support our existing, busy plant in Aberdeen and the thriving order book we have achieved in last 12 months.

“This new base will support the increasing level of work that EFC Group is experiencing, particularly in our subsea and well control divisions.”

The facility sees the number of EFC employees based in the region reach 18 - eight more staff than originally anticipated. New personnel in the region includes project and software engineers to design and project manage EFC’s extensive range of Choke, BOP, Diverter and Managed Pressure Drilling Control Systems.

Bob continued: “As part of our growth plans, we will also be increasing our number of offshore personnel to complete system warranty extension visits and electric and hydraulic gauge calibration services. Extending the range of services, whilst making use of competent and enthusiastic personnel in this region is crucial for providing the high level of client support that EFC Group is known for providing.

“We have enjoyed a successful year across each of our global bases and are well on track to achieving our business objectives. We plan to use this rapid growth in the UK as a springboard for achieving further international success in the long term.”

EFC Group has options in place to move quickly into phase three expansion plans for manufacturing activity in Forres, which could be confirmed as early as summer 2013.

Following the opening of the new bases in Forres, EFC Group now employ s 127 members of staff across its offices in Aberdeen, Leeds, Houston, Singapore and Abu Dhabi. The Group also has international representation in Norway, Mexico, India and Brazil, making it well placed to serve its global client network.