As regional manager, Foster will be based


in Hobbs, N.M., and Midland/Odessa, Texas, and will be responsible for upholding Viking Oil Tools’ reputation for delivering quality products, first class service and a superior safety rating. Kirby Arceneaux, chairman and CEO,


Wellsite, said, “Michael began his career as a carbide welder and has held a multitude of oil and gas management and supervisory positions in the subsequent 37 years, managing operations around the globe. We look forward to welcoming Michael to our experienced team.” Foster said, “I believe that encouraging


teamwork is the key to success for any manager or company and I look forward to supporting Viking Oil Tools’ operations team in continued regional expansion.” y


Rigmarine Opens Aberdeen, UK Facility


> Lifting and marine product specialist Rigmarine has opened its fourth global facility in the rural village of Insch, 30 miles to the northwest of Aberdeen, Scotland. The site, strategically positioned to serve the


offshore oil and gas, renewables, construction, break bulk, shipping and marine industries, joins other Rigmarine locations in Baku, Azerbaijan; Aktau, Kazakhstan; and Sharjah, UAE. As part of the Gaylin Group, this is the 10th international hub alongside others in Singapore, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and Indonesia. Mike Duncan, managing director of


the Gaylin Group of companies, said: “The facility gives Aberdeen a new source of heavy-lift rigging available on short- or long-term rental at respectable prices and with low lead times. We will hold the largest stock of heavy-lift rigging as well as a full range of subsea lifting equipment, including winches, spreader beams, load monitoring equipment and complete rigging lofts. We will also use the facility as a European hub for our spooling services and winch packages.” Below-the-hook specialist Modulift in


addition to force measurement, load monitoring and suspended weighing load cell equipment manufacturer Straightpoint are among those who have committed to supplying the new facility. Rigmarine, meanwhile, will manufacture wire rope slings up to 128mm diameter. Duncan added: “The facility will boast a


number of key features that are unique to the UK, including alternative manufacturing methods for


heavy-lift slings and test beds up to 2,000t.” He is candid about the flatness of the offshore


oil and gas sector in the region—the industry is cautiously optimistic about the outlook, at best— but believes now is the right time to commit to the sector as offshore clients, particularly those working subsea, are seeking suppliers who can diversify and offer cost reducing initiatives as well as multi-disciplined packages. He said: “We acknowledge that the [oil


and gas] industry has endured a slump but it is getting better. There is work out there for companies like us who are willing to turn over stones to find it and put the effort into cost efficient rigging solutions for our clients, whilst carrying a bit of the liability ourselves, as proven by the number of multi-million Euro contracts we have already delivered out of Insch. We are in ongoing dialogue with our customers and tailor solutions that offer savings on capital expenditure accordingly.” The site, which will draw from the


area’s pool of skilled workers and those seek new challenges, was previously used as an office, fabrication workshop and yard, but it has since been customised by Rigmarine. Duncan explained that the business will be controlled under the Rigmarine Group quality management structure, that he calls one of the most advanced in the lifting industry and has been proven successful at other locations. He added: “We will build up a skilled


workforce through the Rigmarine accredited training programmes as well as third-party qualifications, and offer modern apprenticeship schemes to job seekers in the local area.” y


Two New Dealers Expand Tadano’s Regional Coverage


> Across North America, Tadano is proud to offer world class sales and service to our customers. As of this summer we have added two new dealers to our roster in order to give our customers more options and better access to Tadano all terrain and rough terrain cranes. In North Carolina, South Carolina and


parts of Eastern Georgia, Heavy Iron Cranes & Equipment of Lexington, SC will be covering the full range of Tadano products. “The addition of Tadano cranes increases our existing product offering and solidifies a relationship that we have been working towards for some time,” stated Heavy Iron’s Vice President, Levy Brack. “Our customers already see the value of Tadano products, and their positive impression will only improve with time.”


[INDUSTRY NEWS] In Texas and Oklahoma, Scott-Macon


Equipment will provide sales and service to Tadano customers. “Scott-Macon Equipment and Tadano have been successful partners for many years starting with the Tadano Mantis line of hydraulic tele-crawlers. We are excited about the opportunity to formalize this representation of Tadano’s rough terrain and all terrain cranes,” said Bob Dimmit, Senior Managing Director of Scott-Macon Equipment. y


Lift-It Manufacturing Mourns Loss of Original Employee


> Wolfgang W. Keil went to heaven on January 10, 2017. He was one of four original employees of Lift-It Manufacturing with a 40 year career as a dedicated synthetic sling fabrication specialist. Michael J. Gelskey, Jr., VP and General


Manager, Lift-It, stated, “Wolfgang was without a doubt the absolute best synthetic sling fabricator the rigging world will ever know. His slings were comprised of hundreds of millions of stitches and handled loads that would equate to billions of tons. All without incident.” “Mr. Kiel was a true leader and an integral


part of the success of our company. Many of his co-workers at Lift-It provide for their families because of his example and work ethic. He was also one of the best men I have ever known”, remarked M. Gelskey, Sr., Founder. The Lift-It Learning Center is


undergoing renovation to include two load simulators and will be dedicated on October 2, 2017 as the Wolf W. Kiel Learning Center. Riggers, Inspectors, Safety and Training professionals will be inspired and benefit from Wolfgang’s dedication to excellence that did not allow compromise. Wolfgang was pre-deceased by his son,


Shane and is survived by Sao, his wife of 44 years, sons; Albert, Wolfgang and Steven, five grandchildren, countless Samoan brothers and sisters and his Lift-It family. y


WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2017 21


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