The new Broussard location has been operational since April, but steps are now being taken to move forward with the firm's expansion plans.
The growing list of internationally-headquartered oil and gas service companies with satellites in Acadiana just got bigger with the addition of Phuel Oil Tools out of Scotland, which recently opened its first U.S.-based operations center - a $500,000 investment - in Broussard.
Phuel's plans for international expansion became a reality late last year thanks to a £1,000,000 loan from the Scottish Loan Company, which led to the opening of its 5,200 square foot facility on Spinner Drive in Broussard in April.
"The expansion of Phuel Oil Tools internationally is a real achievement and we are delighted to be taking this step less than a year after receiving our loan," says Colin McCracken, Phuel's managing director, in a press release.
McCracken says the Broussard facility will be a base for Phuel's expansion and for the future development of products for the U.S. market. Products are still being supplied in the U.S. by the company's headquarters in Aberdeen, Scotland - also slated for an expansion - but McCracken says that the Broussard location will eventually take over product development for the U.S. market.
"We have made alterations to some of our products to suit the U.S. market," says McCracken.
The company, McCracken adds, ultimately plans to make Broussard the site where "products can be sourced, manufactured and supplied to our American client base from the U.S."
The only employee currently working from the Broussard facility is general manager Robert Brown - a 30-plus-year veteran of the industry - but McCracken says that will soon change as the company already is looking to hire between four and five full-time pressure control equipment technicians.
"With 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, specifically wireline, well testing and well completions for the U.S. market, (Brown) has the expertise to build the business in the U.S.," McCracken says.
For more information about Phuel Oil Tools, click here.