Mechanical services company, EnerMech Ltd, has announced major expansion plans and senior appointments in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Aberdeen-based company is to invest a total £3m ($4.8M) opening new bases in Perth, Australia, and Singapore and in the latest crane simulator technology and allied equipment.

Ben Finlay has been appointed Regional Director for EnerMech's Asia-Pacific division and will be based in Singapore, while in Australia Iain McKenzie has been appointed General Manager (Cranes) and Grant Paterson takes up the role of Cranes and Lifting Superintendent.

The company will shortly move in to a new 8,000 sq ft facility in Perth which includes workshops, storage yard and offices and it is expected staff numbers will exceed 20 by the end of the year.

A new mobile £500,000 ($800,000) crane simulator will based in the Asia Pacific region and initially operate between Singapore and Perth, depending on client demand. This will strengthen EnerMech's credentials as a major provider of training, assessment and competency services to the crane, lifting and construction industries.


Ben Finlay joins from Icon Engineering where he was Group Business Development Manager based in Singapore. He was also a regional manager with Toll Energy in Australia and over a seven year period set up and established Sparrows Offshore's operations in Australia and Asia.

Iain McKenzie was previously Project Manager for Icon Engineering and worked for Sparrows Offshore as Engineering Manager in Australia. He has an extensive track record of working on major North Sea crane and lifting projects and spent 11 years with SMS, which is now part of EnerMech.

Grant Paterson has worked on major international crane and lifting equipment projects and is expert in training and assessment provision and safe working practices. He also has considerable experience in the manufacture, inspection, repair and refurbishment of construction and offshore cranes.

EnerMech managing director, Doug Duguid, said: "The investment in new facilities in Australia and in the latest equipment, combined with the appointment of three very experienced and well respected crane specialists, underlines the importance we place on the Asia Pacific market to our business.

"I am delighted to welcome on board Ben, Iain and Grant who will form the backbone of our Asia Pacific team and whose joint experience and complementary skills will give us a competitive advantage."

(GK/JM)