Relocation of international oil and gas services company's HQ to Perth

24/8/95

A major international oil and gas services company is relocating its Asia Pacific regional headquarters from Singapore to Perth, in a move which will enable it to generate $30 million in income in the next two years.

The move by the Expro Group was announced by Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan today as part of the State Government's Locate to Western Australia program.

Expro is transferring four executive personnel to Perth and expects to increase the Australian payroll by 25 over the next two years.

The group specialises in offshore exploration and appraisal testing services.  It also provides a range of general drilling, exploration and production services and products, including project management services.

The State Government has provided Expro with $20,000 in assistance to come to WA.  This includes assistance with relocation expenses and training of locally employed staff.

The Department of Commerce and Trade has provided advice and support for Expro's relocation.   

Expro is British based and will retain a maintenance base in Singapore following its move to Perth.

Mr Cowan said the Perth office would deal with marketing, sales, administration, finance and new business in the region.

"Expro has grown to be a major supplier of specialised oilfield services in the North Sea," he said. 

"It plans to invest more than $1 million in Australia in its first year on equipment and staff infrastructure, and to expand its existing business in the Asia Pacific by 50 per cent over the next three years. This will enable it to greatly enlarge its base in the region.

"The Government's investment attraction successes like Expro have major benefits for local industry. For instance, Expro relies on local suppliers of goods and services and this brings a multiplier effect, particularly on local employment."

Mr Cowan said Western Australia had a good record of attracting major corporations to establish regional headquarters here because of its exciting possibilities for continued growth.

The latest move strengthened the State's position as a key regional economic centre for the Asia-Pacific.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222 9595