JBS Group, a multi-discipline engineering company that has supported projects in more than 80 countries, has made a key appointment in the US.

Houston-based Graeme Morgan, who has more than 35 years’ experience in the engineering and energy sectors, joins JBS as vice-president sales, Americas. 

JBS supports key markets in the US and the Gulf of Mexico including renewables, oil & gas, defence, space and power & utilities.

Houston-based Graeme Morgan has been appointed vice-president sales, Americas, at JBS Group

Graeme will lead the firm’s ambitious plans for its offering of screw conveyors, US-manufactured blast containment products and its patented Sea Axe, a lightweight and flexible excavation innovation for the subsea industry.

The continued demand for the containment solutions in the US has been highlighted with the recent award of four new contracts – two in the space sector, one in the energy sector and the other for a large steel mill. The combined value of the contracts is in the region of £1m. The blast containment products, certified by DNV and Lloyds, feature patented fabrics offering protection against ballistic, blast, fire and arc flash hazards. 

Jo McIntosh, sales and marketing director at JBS Group, said: 
“In order to deliver on our US growth strategy, it’s essential we have the right leader in place to drive that agenda. Graeme perfectly fits the bill with his extensive knowledge of the US market. 

“We have experienced a record year and this appointment in a region where we already have several long-term relationships is part of a broader investment in the business as we look for further growth. We are delighted to have someone of his calibre on board.”

Graeme said: “There are huge opportunities to increase our presence in the United States. Our Sea Axe, blast containment and screw conveyor products are smart solutions that represent efficient project options, all supported by first-rate customer service. Companies are looking to be more environmentally efficient and we can help them with those goals. 

“More than that, there are new opportunities emerging all the time in the burgeoning renewables sector and again JBS can play a key role here. I’m thrilled to be joining JBS during this exciting period.”

Originally from Dundee, Graeme has been based in Houston since 1997, apart from a four-year spell in Singapore. He has held a series of senior business development and senior leadership positions. His previous role was director solutions development, focussed on asset management, at a global energy and process industries business. 

JBS recently announced it was on track to achieve turnover of £11.5m for its year-end in April, 2024 – a projected rise of nearly 40% on the previous year’s figure of £8.3m. 

The firm supports replacement part programmes and the implementation of its proprietary dual-drive screw conveyor systems. The strategic acquisition of Screw Conveyors Ltd seven years ago has enriched JBS with a 20-year database of technical information and equipment. Additionally, JBS's status as an authorised distributor for Martin Sprocket and a stockist for Nord Drive Systems further enhances its market position in this sector.

Among the company’s high-profile achievements is the provision of a complete Sea Axe Controlled Flow Excavation (CFE) system for a major pipeline burial project in Australia. The business is experiencing increased demand for the patented Sea Axe technology, known for its rapid subsea excavation capabilities. Sea Axe stands out in the market for its environmentally-friendly performance capabilities and its compact design, which reduces deck space requirements. Its safe deployment from a vessel’s A-frame or crane is an additional advantage.

JBS's fabrication capabilities have also experienced an increase in demand, with numerous contracts secured with international energy service firms. This work spans reel modifications, on-site fabrication support and other specialised services. 

Over 60% of JBS Group's sales are international, a significant factor in its success in the Going Global category at the 2023 Northern Star Business Awards, organised by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce. JBS is headquartered at South View, Dales Industrial Estate, Peterhead, UK.

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