Turrif-based offshore installation company ACE Winches has announced it will invest $6.5m into the opening of a new facility in Houston, Texas.
The company predicts that this should double its revenue within five years.
Following demands from customers, the company decided it was needed to further expand its footprint in the Americas region.
The opening of the office and yard facility in Houston, which is scheduled to take place this summer, should create 10 jobs.
The company has had a presence in the Gulf of Mexico for more than 10 years, and with almost 3,000 pieces of kit, a training academy and purpose-built facilities in the UK and Norway. It helps support offshore and coastal installation, heavy movement and removal activities.
ACE Winches chief executive Alfie Cheyne said: “A significant portion of our revenue is generated in the Gulf of Mexico, and the time is right for us to capitalise on the potential in the region.
“Not only will we be able to better serve existing customers, but we will be able to make the most of new opportunities as the energy industry evolves into another exciting new era.
“This move is an indication of our ambition for significant growth, internationalisation and expansion into the broader energy market, something that are key tenets of our strategic plan for this year.”
He added: “We have invested heavily in diversifying our offering and having been involved in some of the biggest projects in the Gulf of Mexico in recent years, as well as seeing increasing demand for offshore floating wind, we are in a great position to capitalise on this opportunity.”
The US operation will be led and managed by general manager Fraser Anderson; an experienced engineer who has been with the company for more than a decade.
He said: “This is an exciting time for the energy industry in general, and in particular the Gulf of Mexico.
“Having worked there in the past, I am aware of the challenge - and opportunity - that exists in the region, and look forward to helping shape the transformation to renewable energy.”
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
