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The Cheshire-based engineering consultancy and managed contractor service provider, ASTEC Services, has opened a second office in Aberdeen, from where a newly-appointed business manager will provide a hands-on service to the offshore industry.

This major move by ASTEC follows the company’s first appearance at Offshore Europe 2007, which further strengthened its position within the oil and gas industry.

Derek Penny, who gained a physics degree at Glasgow University and an MBA at Dundee, joins the ASTEC business team from the Imes Group with more than 20 years’ experience in both the global upstream and downstream oil and gas industries. Derek has also held director and senior management positions with ‘blue chip’ companies such as Shell, Tyco and ABB.

Derek’s spent his formative years in engineering, manufacturing, R&D, strategic business development and engineered solutions’ provision, all of which make him well-equipped to meet the needs of ASTEC clients by supplying the most highly skilled engineers.

Andy Thompson, ASTEC managing director, said: “Opening an Aberdeen office was the next logical step in taking our offshore business forward both within the UK and overseas. This, combined with Derek’s appointment, will make our services local and immediate.

“Given his successful track record, we are delighted to have Derek on board and confident that he will be instrumental in ASTEC becoming a more significant player among the larger and more established oil and gas industry companies.”

Derek said: “ASTEC is well respected within safety and engineering services and consultancy and I welcome the challenge of growing the business at a time when demand for competent personnel outstrips supply. It is good to be part of the solution to successful people placement and development, changing the key engineers’ work/lifestyle balance in the process and delivering improved asset performance for clients.”

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