Date Created: 15 May 2012
"Aker Solutions has a proud heritage in Aberdeen and we are looking forward to tapping further into the excellent oil and gas competence base here" – Leif Borge, President and Chief Financial Officer, Aker Solutions
Aker Solutions, one of the largest employers in the North East is to add another 500 jobs to its current 2,700 strong operation in Aberdeen. The announcement came as First Minister Alex Salmond held talks at the international oil services company's headquarters in Oslo, Norway.
Scottish Development International (SDI) has been working closely with the global oil and gas company to support its investment and growth in Scotland.
Aker Solutions has a growth target for the group as a whole of 9-15 percent on average per year from 2011 to 2015, supported by high activity in all key oil and gas regions. To capitalise on this growth and support its UK and international customers, the company expects to boost its Aberdeen workforce by 500 employees over the next two years.
The growth will come in all business segments, including:
- Subsea and drilling technology businesses that are based in Dyce
- MMO-organisation that maintains and upgrades North Sea oil platforms to extend their field-life
- The company’s Portlethen-based well intervention services business
These 500 jobs are in addition to 350 new positions created since last August, when the company announced its intention to create new jobs in Aberdeen.
Two weeks before the launch of Scotland’s oil and gas strategy, the First Minister also met Norway’s Oil & Energy Minister, Ola Borten Moe, and the AF Group, as well as Scottish-owned energy engineering company Global Project Services which has opened its first permanent base in the Norway.
Prosperous times ahead
Welcoming the announcement the First Minister said:
“Our oil and gas sector remains a vitally important part of the economy, generating jobs and prosperity, and the Scottish Government, Scottish Development International and our enterprise agencies are determined to support the ambitions of overseas investors and Scottish companies.
"As we prepare to launch our industry strategy at the end of this month, I am pleased to have the opportunity to discuss with the industry and government in Oslo how they are working to encourage on-going prosperity across the Norwegian offshore industry and how we can support similar continued success in Scotland.”
Leif Borge, Aker Solutions’ President & Chief Financial Officer, outlined his company’s ambitions for growth in Scotland as he welcomed the First Minister to its corporate headquarters.
Why Aker Solutions choose Scotland
Mr Borge said: “Aker Solutions has a proud heritage in Aberdeen and we are looking forward to tapping further into the excellent oil and gas competence base here.
"We are experiencing activity growth in both the UK North Sea and international markets. Our objective is to provide an even better level of support to our customers, which will enable us to win more work and capitalise on the expected market growth. Hence we are investing in our operation in Scotland.”
Building sustainable growth with SDI support
Anne MacColl, Chief Executive, Scottish Development International, said:
“We are working closely with Aker Solutions both in Scotland and in Oslo to provide a fully integrated package of support, including account management, to help the company realise its commitment here.
"Scotland is recognised as a world-leader in the oil and gas industry with international sales for 2010-2011 for Scottish oil and gas supply chain exports reaching £7.6 billion - a record 46.4 percent of total Scottish supply chain sales.
"It is only by working with ambitious global companies like Aker Solutions that we can continue to build on these strengths, learn from key industry players and improve our capabilities and in doing so, drive home long-term sustainable growth for the Scottish economy.”
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