Subsea power cables specialist JDR plans to open a new European service support centre, located in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, to meet a ”high demand for JDR’s service work, including offshore installation support and maintenance activities.”
Located on the River Tyne, the 4,000 square metre facility including workshop, warehouse and offices, will act as the central base for JDR’s UK and European service operations.
Housing up to 50 staff, the centre will be able to coordinate JDR’s service activities in the Middle East and Asia and will be a base for the sales and marketing teams.
The location was strategically selected for its proximity to projects in the North Sea and Europe, JDR’s Hartlepool facility, and the local supply chain, the company said.
This facility will provide space for the planned growth of the company’s service team and offer JDR’s partners a dedicated European hub for integrated services beyond factory delivery. This will provide clients with the ultimate in technical support for onshore and offshore activities associated with deployment, installation and commissioning, maintenance and repair, and decommissioning, JDR said.
“We expect our service contracts to increase significantly as we continue to build on our recent successes, delivering cables and umbilicals globally to the offshore energy industry,” JDR CFO, Ivan Coyard , said.
”Through this dedicated facility, we will set a new standard in service support, with project management, procurement and mobilisation of equipment and personnel providing a one-stop shop. This will ensure product integrity and ultimately maximise operational uptime for clients.”
The full Newcastle facility including offices is expected to be operational by Q3 2017.