Specialist Services Group appoints new Managing Director at Labtech Services in Aberdeen

Formerly development director at Hertel offshore UK division, Mr Reith's appointment comes as part of Specialist Services Group overall vision to strengthen the business and drive the company forward.

Mr Reith has spent over 25 years working within the oil and gas industry, beginning his career in drilling, then moving on to gain considerable engineering experience in the subsea inspection, repair and maintenance sector around the world.

He completed an MSc in international marketing at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen before diversifying into senior management and leadership roles.

Labtech Services Limited was established in 1983, the company specialises in the design, engineering and manufacture of offshore modular enclosures for people and equipment fully compliant with the stringent certification demands of the energy sector.

It currently employs 90 people in Aberdeen with their Altens facility comprising of 17,400 sq.ft fabrication workshop, 4,000 sq.ft covered storage, 5,500 sq.ft office accommodation and 8,000 sq.ft out-fitting workshop space spread throughout the three acre site at Blackness Road.

Ian Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Specialist Services in the United Arab Emirates, said, "Derrick brings with him a high level of expertise in business strategy, commercial and operational achievement as well as in-depth industry knowledge. This is an important year for Labtech as we celebrate 30 years of excellent manufacturing and service provision to the North Sea oil and gas market. Derrick will have overall responsibility for ensuring the business continues to enjoy structured growth whilst maintaining its strong financial footing."

Mr Reith said, "The company has a remarkably strong and committed workforce with a combination of manufacturing excellence and business expertise. It will be a pleasure to work with the team and develop the long- term future of the business. I am delighted to have been appointed as Managing Director and I am looking forward to taking on the fresh challenges ahead."

The launch last year of Labtech's rental operation in Aberdeen has been successful, predominantly led by drilling and engineering related cabins, laboratories and offices. The new fleet of cabins are all fully certified for use in the UKCS with some fully NORSOK (the stringent Norwegian certification) compliant to serve the growing North Sea market and also international requirements. Labtech expects to nearly double the size of its hire fleet of modules to 30 in early 2013 in response to increasing demand.

Specialist Services Group has so far invested more than £1m in the Aberdeen-based fleet as part of a £10m global investment and is expected to increase its commitment to the North Sea to meet anticipated increased demand.

Mr Reith will lead the Aberdeen business into a growth phase that will provide a much broader offering that, in addition to modular buildings, will include the supply of drilling, testing and production equipment as well as process packages. Labtech will be in a strong position to meet the needs of clients with regard to larger Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects.

Mr Reith said, "The North Sea is enjoying significant investment from companies who are committed to the exploration and production market. Decommissioning was seen as being imminent, but instead we are seeing existing platforms refitted and new builds being commissioned."

"This represents a tremendous opportunity for Labtech and for the entire Specialist Services Group. By being part of a global business our engineers are now working on projects worldwide and the high standard of construction and fittings we produce ensures our products can be deployed anywhere in the world," he added.