A focus on localisation and long-term regional investment by STATS Group (STATS) in the Middle East was recognised at the EIC Regional Awards in Dubai.
The Aberdeenshire pipeline engineering specialist was awarded the Energy Industry Council’s Scale Up prize in a ceremony attended by industry peers onboard the QE2.
STATS’ approach to implementing a comprehensive localisation strategy across the Middle East was outlined in the Energy Industry Council’s Survive and Thrive Report and impressed the awards judging panel.
Mark Gault, STATS Group vice president for the Middle East, explained: “Although we have operated successfully in the region since 2012, STATS Group had a clear message from clients across the Middle East - they appreciated the company’s best-in-class pipeline isolation technology but wanted it delivered locally.
“Unlike competitors who were consolidating operations to fewer bases with remote support, STATS recognised that in-country value was a key driver for clients in the region, making a comprehensive localisation strategy essential.”
STATS Groups Mark Gault vice president Middle East collected the EIC Scale Up award
The company established a comprehensive Middle East footprint which includes operational facilities in Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Doha in Qatar, Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman, and Dammam in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
All facilities feature assembly and test workshops, design and project engineering and business support services. STATS also invested in locally manufactured equipment and in-house technical training programmes for local workforces, reducing the dependence on UK headquarter resources.
Critical to the success has been STATS commitment to nationalisation - with employment rates of local populations ranging from 10% to up to 80% at various locations, which has proved invaluable in overcoming language barriers, navigating cultural differences and driving business growth.
Ryan McPherson, Regional Director, EIC, said: “Congratulations to STATS Group on their well-deserved recognition at this year’s EIC Regional Awards. Their long-term commitment to localisation and regional investment truly sets them apart and exemplifies the forward-thinking approach that continues to strengthen the Middle East’s energy supply chain.
“It was a pleasure to celebrate their success alongside so many exceptional companies who are driving innovation, resilience, and growth across the sector. The standard this year was outstanding and our international judging panel was once again impressed by the exceptional calibre of entrants featured in this year’s Survive & Thrive report, making the task of selecting just a handful of winners incredibly challenging.”