North-east ‘downhole’ tools firm in global push

An Aberdeen company that provides high-precision “downhole” tools for the oil and gas industry is gearing up to expand its global interests in an investment valued at more than £1 million.

Westerton has formed a separate entity – Westerton USA – and will open a new office and workshop in Houston early in the new year as it looks to grow its portfolio in key regions and markets.

The firm currently operates in several countries and invests heavily in research and development as well as the manufacture of its own tools, which form key components within well intervention and well abandonment activities.

The Houston office will be run by well intervention specialist Gordon Mackenzie, who hails from Aberdeen and has worked in the industry for 35 years.

Westerton UK general manager Robin Porter said: “We were affected by the oil and gas downturn. This year, however, we have seen green shoots of recovery and there has been a definite upturn in business activity.”