Portlethen-based Downhole Products (DHP) is launching its own staff operation in West Africa to boost its sales in the potentially lucrative oil and gas sector in the region.

DHP, which is a world market leader in oilfield equipment, has appointed Nigerian-born Frank Ibazebo as its regional sales engineer.

Ibazebo, who has 16 years post-graduate oilfield experience, predominantly in West Africa, recently completed post-graduate courses at The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, and obtained qualifications in LLM/MSC Oil & Gas Law and MSC Project Management.

DHP’s managing director Ian Kirk explained: "In the medium-term, Frank will be charged with maintaining our current business via our distributors and agents in the region, and to develop new business relations with all the operators in West Africa.

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"He will focus his attentions on utilising our new synergies with our US-based parent company, Varel International, which is very strong in the region. Once we have a feel for the market, we will follow up by sending a large consignment of relevant stock.

"Frank will be supported from our UK office by our experienced technical, sales and operational staff with regular visits from the management team. This is a very exciting time for DHP moving into such a demanding region with such massive potential."

In the long-term the firm's intention will be to treble their current turnover into the region of US$3 million, and employ sales and operational staff to support these ambitions as we move forward.

This will be DHP’s fourth major overseas sales base with its own staff in place.

Alex MacGregor, currently in the sales division in Portlethen, is being posted to Malaysia in September as regional manager for Asia. DHP already has bases in Houston and Bahrain.

With turnover rising above £15 million last year, DHP, which was launched in 1994, has seen its export earnings more than double during the past four years, and it now generates more than 95% of its total earnings from outwith the UK.

This export achievement saw the company recognised last year by winning the coveted Queen's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade Category.

(GK/BMcC)