Aubin Invests in New Equipment and International Expansion (UK)

Aubin, a leading independent supplier of specialist chemicals to the energy industry, has invested in new equipment and international expansion following the launch of ground-breaking products.

The company develops, manufactures and supplies novel chemical solutions to the conventional and renewable energy sectors. Recently the company has focused its research & development efforts onto the development of products to address common subsea issues.

This has resulted in Aubin introducing two revolutionary new patented gel based lifting systems to the market earlier this year which have attracted high levels of interest.

• DeepBuoy, used for lifting, supporting and lowering heavy subsea structures up to 2,000tonnes for the global oil & gas industry and reducing the need to rely on cranes and crane barges costing up to £600,000 per day.

• GLS, targeted at the offshore renewables sector and offering wind turbine installation at a fraction of current prices.

The company is working on a number of potential projects for customers around the world.

Further existing patented products include pipeline pigging and cleaning applications while commercialisation of additional technologies for subsea applications such as insulation and pipeline commissioning is underway.

Recent investment has focused on scaling up manufacturing capability to meet demand for new and existing products and ensure Aubin can respond quickly to orders. New equipment includes a 7,500litre ribbon blender, blending plant and laboratory equipment.

Aubin’s turnover rose 5% to £4.6million (to year end July) despite difficult trading conditions in several of its Middle East markets, where its specialist chemicals are used by clients including major National Oil Companies.

“By moving to offer additional added-value products to our clients, our profits rose by 20% during the same period,’’ said Aubin Managing Director Paddy Collins.

“Our continuing investment in R&D and new manufacturing equipment means we are well-placed to explore interesting opportunities for us in further international markets and different sectors. We responded quickly to the changing economic and political situation in several Middle Eastern and North African states and have shifted our business develop activities to target markets which are stable and receptive to our new technology. As a result, we have signed new agent agreements covering South America, Oman, Russia and West Africa.’’

Aubin was established in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, in 1987 and has a team of 20 people. It designs researches, develops, manufactures and supplies high-quality chemical technology for a wide range of energy industry applications.

The company received SMART funding to develop the GLS technology from the Scottish Government scheme providing financial assistance to individuals and SMEs to help support commercially viable projects which represent a significant technological advance.

Aubin is also supported by the Carbon Trust Entrepreneurs Fast Track, which helps create step-change growth in the UK’s best low carbon technology businesses.

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Source: thinkPR, September 21, 2011