Following its acquisition of Abu Dhabi-based Totus Energy in October 2012, Dron & Dickson has announced strategic plans to continue growth in the Middle East.
MD Stuart Bell
At the time of acquisition, Totus Energy employed 17 staff with the scope of work covering electrical and instrumentation (E&I) contracting services.
Under the ownership of Dron & Dickson, turnover has doubled for this Middle East division, which now employs 31 staff. As part of this growth, operations were also re-located to a new, larger base in 2013, a move which represented a six figure investment.
Previously Totus Energy, the Middle East operation will now trade under the Dron & Dickson name, which is known around the world as a specialist in the supply and maintenance of hazardous area electrical equipment and training.
Dron & Dickson Electromechanical Contracting LLC will continue to provide E&I contracting, however the service offering has also increased to now include the provision of Ex inspections and CompEx inspectors, electrical material supply and the assembling of Ex junction boxes.
Colin Maver, group director at Dron & Dickson, said: “The acquisition of an established Middle Eastern business was a carefully considered move for Dron & Dickson, which allowed us to significantly enhance our credentials in the region.
“As we move to the next phase of growth in the Middle East, we will be looking to replicate the successful business model that has been established in the UK. A significant part of this will be continuing to recruit, adding to our pool of technicians which will allow us to secure both new and existing contracts.
“In line with this recruitment, the competency of our personnel will remain high on the agenda and our local workforce in the Middle East is, and will continue to be CompEx trained to the high standards present in the North Sea. It is this type of investment in our people that allows Dron & Dickson to provide an unrivalled service in terms of safety and quality assurance.”
Stuart Bell, managing director of Dron & Dickson Electromechanical Contracting LLC, added: “By increasing the size of our Abu Dhabi base and continuing to add to the team since 2012, we have been able to undertake larger and more challenging jobs. This next stage of growth promises to be an exciting time for Dron & Dickson.”
Dron & Dickson employs more than 250 people on and offshore, with bases in Aberdeen, Hull, Lowestoft, Stirling and Abu Dhabi.