TPi September 2013

business & market news

US plant dedicated to oil and gas market Tubular solutions company Vallourec has dedicated its new pipe mill to serve, in particular, the North American market for production of shale hydrocarbons. Located in Youngstown, Ohio, USA, within the existing Vallourec Star facility, the new unit expands the range of Vallourec products manufactured in North America. Speaking at the new facility’s dedication, Philippe Crouzet, chairman of Vallourec’s management board, said, “Implementation of this new state-of- the-art mill enables us to strengthen our premium products leadership in North America.

in North America, with an offer that responds to all of our customers’ needs.”

Exploration and production of unconventional hydrocarbons has revolutionised the North American market for oil and gas, leading to a significant increase in accessible reserves in the region. The large number of wells and the use of horizontal drilling techniques required in shale hydrocarbon production have increased demand for small diameter tubes and premium connections. With the new mill coming on stream, Vallourec’s Youngstown site now offers the full range of products and services necessary for all hydrocarbon production, and in particular the shale developments. The integrated site includes a steel mill, a mill specialising in medium diameter tubes (from 5" to 10 3 / 4 "), and the new mill, which specialises in the manufacture of small diameter tubes (2 3 / 8 " to 7"). With 22 manufacturing facilities and service operations in the USA, Canada and Mexico, Vallourec in North America primarily serves the local oil and gas market. Key products include oil country tubular goods, line pipe, drill pipe and premium threading services of VAM ® premium joints. Other market segments are served by Vallourec’s specialised entities in Europe and Brazil.

“I would like to recognise our local teams who have managed to complete a major project in an extremely short time frame. I also want to express our appreciation to the federal, state and municipal authorities for their unfailing support. With this new pipe mill, we are able to participate even more actively in the development of shale hydrocarbons

With an initial annual production capacity of 350,000 tons of small diameter seamless tubes, the new mill represents an investment of $1.05bn, and employs 350 people. The mill delivered its first pipe in December 2012 and will ramp- up production throughout 2013.

Vallourec Star facility in Youngstown, Ohio, USA

Vallourec – France contact@vallourec.fr www.vallourec.com

Middle East sales and warehouse for nickel alloys

vary from ½" to 8", with wall thickness sch.10s, up to and including XXS. Stocks of other nickel alloys will be added to the Middle East stocks as soon as need arises for short deliveries.

The company’s Dutch head office is the model for the Middle Eastern office. With many years of experience and a highly trained staff, support will be extensive, especially in terms of quality control and purchasing. Hart sales manager Martijn Verstappen is in charge of the Middle Eastern office and warehouse. The stock of the Middle Eastern warehouse includes pipe and fittings in Inconel 625 and Incoloy 825. Sizes

Hart bv has opened an office in the Middle East, due to the increase in demand for nickel alloys. The new sales office and warehouse is located near Dubai, at Sharjah International Airport Freezone, in the United Arab Emirates. From this Middle Eastern office, Hart intends to supply the whole Gulf region with a 24-hour delivery service, whether for repairs, shutdowns, small expansions or large projects.

Hart bv – Netherlands sales@hartbv.nl www.hartbv.nl

Middle East office: www.hartme.ae

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Tube Products International September 2013

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