Scottish energy equipment manufacturer and service provider Flowline Specialists has expanded its service offering as a result of client demand.

The Aberdeenshire-based company, which designs, engineers and manufactures a range of cable and pipe handling and deployment equipment for use in the energy sector, has launched a new service and maintenance division. It will operate from the firm’s existing workshop facility at its Oldmeldrum headquarters and utilise existing personnel.

Established in 2001, Flowline Specialists supplies equipment such as under rollers, spoolers, turntables and tensioners to clients in the oil and gas, subsea, decommissioning and marine renewables sectors. The firm will use its expertise in manufacturing, operating and maintaining this type of electrical, hydraulic and mechanical equipment to service and refurbish similar cable spooling and deployment products that are owned by other companies working in these sectors.

Alongside the repair, refurbishment and overhaul work, Flowline Specialists will offer an equipment rental service for customers whose equipment is being serviced.

Flowline Specialists, which employs around 50 staff, has been working on developing the new division for about a year, investing around £50,000 to set it up. In recent months, Flowline Specialists has refurbished equipment owned by subsea engineering companies and serviced under rollers for a client operating in the renewable energy sector.

Creating the new division is the latest step in the firm’s strategy to diversify its business. Initially focused on the oil and gas and subsea sectors, Flowline Specialists entered the offshore renewable energy market nearly a decade ago and has become a trusted provider of cable handling and deployment equipment to multiple projects. The firm has also significantly expanded its overseas operations during this time, including establishing a Dubai subsidiary, Flowline Specialists DMCC.

Ross Whittingham, CEO of Flowline Specialists, said: 
"We have been working to set up this new division for about nine months and it has come about through requests from customers who value our technical expertise and hydraulic and engineering capabilities. Based on this and the high standard of customer service that our team provides through our core equipment service, we have built a strong reputation across the energy sectors.

"We anticipate the demand for servicing and maintaining electrical, hydraulic and mechanical spooling and deployment equipment to be strong. There are oil and gas operators, subsea companies, renewables EPC contractors and end users that retain their own cable handling and deployment equipment that will require regular maintenance or more significant refurbishment. As an independent company, and with our skills, knowledge and capabilities, we can deliver that for them to the highest standards.

"For several years, we have taken active steps to build a diverse business offering and our new service and maintenance division is further evidence of this. As demand for this service grows we will increase staffing levels as required.”

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Flowline Specialists