• ATR
• 10/12/2012

ATR BRINGS IN NEW DIRECTORS AS IT PUSHES MAJOR GROWTH STRATEGY

International equipment specialist ATR has appointed non-executive chairman Bob Forbes, and sales and marketing director, David McKendrick, as it pursues an aggressive growth strategy across the energy sector.

ATR chief executive, Keith Moorhouse, said a recent rebranding of its operations and the launch of a new website, in addition to the senior appointments, are vital components in the company's expansion strategy.

It secured more than £20 million from NBGI Private Equity and Clydesdale Bank, and completed the acquisition of UES, the specialist supplier of marine and subsea support equipment to the diving, ROV and survey sectors of the global offshore industry, in the first six months of 2012.

"Bob and David bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience and I am excited to announce their appointments," says Keith Moorhouse.

"We are experiencing significant growth across our business and have recently added a new base at Great Yarmouth to complement our existing operations in Aberdeen and Baku, to capitalise on opportunities in the central and southern North sea.
The appointments and the expansion in to Great Yarmouth underline our commitment to delivering high quality equipment and services to our clients.
In Bob Forbes we have a proven high quality businessman with a strong track record in growing and attracting investment for international expansion.
Having the best people in our team has been a cornerstone of the business' success to date and David McKendrick, who will lead our sales and marketing efforts, also has a strong track record and significant experience across the energy sector."

Bob Forbes, previous CEO and founder of ABZ Group Ltd, and a non-executive director of ICR Integrity Ltd, has more than 30 years experience in the global energy sector. His firm, ABZ Group, which included the leading offshore cabin, basket and industrial unit manufacturing business Labtech, was sold to Sovereign Oilfield Services in 2007.

David McKendrick has more than 25 years experience in business management, and has held senior business development positions with major blue chip companies including Wood Group and General Electric and ACE Winches.

ATR invested more than £3million in its equipment fleet this year, with a focus on equipment vital to exploration and production operations offshore.

The company has grown significantly since a management buy-in over four years ago. The company now boasts a turnover in excess of £20million and has 120 employees.

ATR is the market leader in the rental of specialised tools and equipment for the offshore oil and gas industry maintenance market, operating throughout the North Sea and UKCS, and the Caspian region.