Pipeline engineering company, STATS Group, has strengthened its management team with the appointment of former Sparrows Offshore executive Graham Thomson as general manager.

Aberdeen-based STATS, which specialises in pipeline integrity and intervention, said the creation of the new post was part of its 2012 growth strategy and will allow the board of directors to focus on international development and improve operational activities.

The company expects turnover in the current year to have increased by more than £3 million to £16 million and is forecasting 2012 revenues will grow a further 25% to £20 million. With 120 on the payroll and a Canadian subsidiary based in Edmonton, it plans to recruit an additional 20 staff in the next year as it increases its presence in the Middle East and Far East markets.

Graham Thomson spent 22 years with Sparrows, was a member of the Executive Board, performed other senior roles in the UK and UAE, and was latterly chief operating officer for US operations based in Houston. In the newly created general manager role he will oversee all STATS’ UK operations and international project support.

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The company has also appointed Vikas Shangari as business development manager for the Middle East, based in Qatar, and he joins from Hydratight where he held a similar role for eight years.

STATS Group managing director, Pete Duguid, said: “We are a niche business with a range of unique intervention technologies which are in demand by operators and contractors working in mature and emerging hydrocarbon markets. The next year is looking very promising and the growth targets we have set are realistic and achievable.

“Graham has a wealth of oilfield business experience which adds strength to our management team at a time when we are focussed on global growth in the key oil and gas producing regions.

“As general manager, he will support the Board in maximising those opportunities, extending our international footprint and growing turnover, while Vikas’ appointment will allow us to develop our position not only in Qatar but across the Gulf states, where we know there is a demand for our products.”

Graham Thomson said: “STATS Group is a byword for innovation and quality in the piping and pipeline industry and their enthusiasm and commitment to continual investment in their products and people was instrumental in me joining what I consider to be a first class customer-focussed business.

“I look forward to leading the team and as we set even more challenging and demanding targets in quality, safety, cost control and customer satisfaction.”

(GK)