Latest news: Engineering hub set for London

More than 1,000 new engineering jobs are set to be created in London following the expansion of Norwegian company Aker Solutions. 08/06/2012

The oil and gas technology services firm has revealed that it is to establish an ‘engineering hub’ in Chiswick, west London, where it opened an office in autumn 2011.

Aker Solutions  already employs 3,000 people across the UK, with a further 500 positions due to be created at its Aberdeen operation over the next couple of years. It also has offices and facilities in Hastings, Maidenhead, Great Yarmouth, Stockton-on-Tees and Whitstable. Worldwide, the organisation has 25,000 employees.

Executive chairman Oyvind Eriksen told the prime ministers of the UK and Norway David Cameron and Jens Stoltenberg of his company’s plans in a round-table discussion in Oslo. 

Mr Eriksen stated, ‘Based on this initial success and a highly favourable market outlook, we see that we have the potential to add a further 1,300 employees by 2015. This is driven by activity growth in all key oil and gas regions worldwide.

‘Oil and gas engineers in London are typically experienced, highly competent and they have an international mindset.’

Aker Solutions’ expanded London office will help it focus on new areas of business such as well intervention services, subsea and drilling technologies.

Cameron went on to comment, ‘The decision… is great news for the local economy and it is a vote of confidence in the skill, expertise and professionalism of our engineering sector.’