Baker Hughes ‘consolidates’ Aberdeen Innovation Park Offices

Industry: US oilfield services firm won’t disclose if more jobs are at risk

Baker Hughes has put one of its Aberdeen offices up for sale.

The company has confirmed it was looking to “close and consolidate” its North Sea onshore facilities – although it pledged to “maintain its level of technical capabilities in the region”.

The US oilfield services firm's building at Aberdeen Innovation Park in the city's Bridge of Don area is now on the market.

A spokeswoman said Baker Hughes was “simplifying" its structure and “working with employees for relocation opportunities”.

She did not disclose if the move involved further job cuts.

Earlier this year thecompany revealed at least 30 staff would be left vying for just five positions at its nearby facilities at Bridge of Don.

Those cuts followed the collapse of a £22billion merger deal between Baker Hughes and rival Halliburton in May.

In July, the firm would eliminate 3,000 jobs across its global workforce bringing its 18month tally to 26,000 positions.

The company also has other premises in Dyce, Altens and Portlethen.

It comes amid a prolonged downturn in worldwide oil and gas.

The Baker Hughes building at Aberdeen Innovation Park has been described as an 18,398sq ft modern office and laboratory building with simulator bay.

Speaking from their Houston headquarters, a spokeswoman said: “Faced with challenging industry conditions in the North Sea and elsewhere, Baker Hughes is simplifying its organisational structure and operational footprint globally, including closing and consolidating facilities in Aberdeen.

“The company is working with employees for relocation opportunities. Baker Hughes will maintain its level of technical capabilities in the region and will continue to deliver excellent service quality to customers.

“These actions will help to improve cost efficiencies and help to ensure the longevity of the region.”

Baker Hughes is not the only firm looking to shed some of its square footage in the Granite City.

The Press and Journal’s sister website Energy Voice previously revealed Subsea 7 is still looking to lease out its West Campus building in Aberdeenshire.

The company said in October last year it would be downsizing its Aberdeenshire office as it looked to streamline costs during the oil price decline.

Instead, the firm said it would “optimise” its other buildings.

The Oslo- listed company does not own the West Campus building, but had been leasing it out.

SIGN OF TIMES: Baker Hughes said it was ‘working with employees for relocation opportunities’ as its innovation park building is for sale