Seal of approval for Caithness engineering skills

21st June 2016

An Aberdeen oil and gas company that located its manufacturing operation to Lybster in Caithness says it is delighted with the results.

Torque machine manufacturer Enerquip secured £60,000 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards the £240,000 initial capital equipment and employment costs at Lybster.

Four high quality, well paid jobs have already been created there fabricating the company's products which horizontally make-up and break-out large diameter threaded connections for downhole applications in the oil and gas sector.

The Lybster jobs are part of Enerquip's rapid growth and complements its Aberdeen headquarters where sales and marketing, servicing and design work takes place. Since its formation in 2015, Enerquip now employs 26 people across both sites and has doubled sales from its initial forecasts.

Chairman of Enerquip Andrew Polson said: "Our newest torque machines incorporate the latest technology and innovations demanded by the global oil and gas sector. These offer improved capacity and control but also provide better efficiency and superior feedback. It is therefore essential our engineers in Lybster can deliver high quality results.

"The Caithness labour pool has an excellent reputation for skill levels, commitment and loyalty. This provides good business continuity and helps differentiate our products in international markets. We are already expanding the workforce and are well ahead of target."

HIE’s financial assistance has contributed towards creating six full-time jobs in a fragile area over Enerquip’s first three years of operation.

Keith Muir, HIE’s head of business growth for Caithness and Sutherland added: “Enerquip serves a global market and the decision to set up in Caithness reinforces the area’s growing reputation as a location of choice for the oil and gas sector.

“Innovative companies like Enerquip who successfully adapt and position their products and services towards emerging and future markets will stand the best chance of success in an industry currently experiencing challenging economic conditions.

“Coupled with readily available, high quality engineering personnel and competitive property prices, the area offers a range of benefits over other locations."