TPi January 2015

business & market news

Stockist increases export sales staff DK Jones Ltd, a UK-based stockist of butt weld and high-pressure forged fittings, weld outlet fittings, flanges and pipe in a wide range of material specifications, has increased its sales team with the addition of three new personnel in its export office.

Customers who have been dealing with the company for several years may remember Martin Mac, who previously worked for DK Jones and has now re-joined the company. Mr Mac has many years of experience in the piping products industry and his extensive knowledge and ability to source difficult- to-find items has already been put to good use to help DK Jones’s customers and contacts. Another new addition to the export sales office is Mark Hipkiss, who has worked in the tubular products industry for more than 20 years and has experience in the sourcing and sales of materials ranging from carbon steel to a wide variety of exotic alloys for many UK and overseas clients. The third new recruit to the department is Greg Dare. This is Mr Dare’s first job in the tubular products industry.

DK Jones’s new recruits: Martin Mac, Mark Hipkiss and Greg Dare

With a stock of over 4,000 tonnes of high quality, fully certified materials, DK Jones regularly supplies standard and non-standard items and materials to customers in more than 60 countries.

Although he is still learning the in-house systems and the details of the wide range of products that DK Jones stocks, the company says that he is already an enthusiastic and helpful member of the sales force and is enjoying getting to know the industry and its complex range of products, specifications and materials.

DK Jones Ltd – UK sales@dkjones.com www.dkjones.com

Investment in new R&D hub As part of its ongoing growth and development strategy, flexible pipe specialist FlexTech has invested £500,000 into a new manufacturing and fabrication base in Lincolnshire, UK. successfully within the oil and gas industry. The new investment in Grimsby is strategic due to the region emerging as a key player in the renewable energy industry, with potential to become the UK capital of the offshore wind industry.

in the future. The facility will support the delivery of projects worldwide, with the team in Grimsby supporting FlexTech’s increased presence in the region. With direct access to offshore wind farms, and quayside access to the UK’s largest port, it will also allow FlexTech to offer its range of products and services to a wider market. FlexTech’s core business is the delivery of flexible pipe and riser engineering projects, marine offloading systems and integrity management and inspec- tion. It also has a range of products designed to facilitate ease of installa- tion, ensure operational integrity and prolong the life of the flexible in field.

Since its inception in March 2013, the company has achieved turnover of £1mn, and is on track to reach £2.5mn by the end of year two. With existing research and development and manufacturing premises in Aberdeen, UK, and an R&D facility in Lincolnshire, FlexTech’s new Grimsby base will help to expand its presence across the UK, with plans to extend its capabilities and offerings into the renewables sector. FlexTech engineering director Craig Keyworth said, “Since start-up, the company has been performing

“With such clear synergies between our services and equipment offerings within the oil and gas and renewables sectors, and the renewables develop- ing at such a significant rate, the placement of our R&D facility in the region positions us well for an advance into the sector.” The newly acquired 1.5-acre facility with 3,000ft 2 office and workshop will provide FlexTech with a base in the region, both now and as it increases staff numbers and service offerings

Flextech Ltd – UK info@flex-tech.co.uk www.flex-tech.co.uk

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Tube Products International January 2015

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