Hydro Group Plc, a global design and manufacturer of underwater cables and connectors for subsea, underwater, topside and onshore applications, has announced plans for further investment in Southeast Asia and the appointment of a technical support supervisor to aid growth in the region.
Earlier this year Hydro Group opened a new Singapore office to support the company’s increasing presence in Southeast Asia, and offer its range of subsea optical cables, electrical cables and connectors to the wider energy and defense markets in the region.
Doug Whyte, Hydro Group managing director, said, “Hydro Group has invested close to £300,000 in developing the Southeast Asia operation, with plans to invest further and increase staff numbers considerably. These significant developments mean we are on track for the Singapore office to become self-sufficient by the end of 2014. We are already moving onto the next phase of development ahead of schedule, appointing two new members of staff to the Singapore office, with the key appointment of Gabriel Tan as technical support supervisor.”
Gabriel spent 16 years in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and as a result is a highly qualified electronic technician and trainer.
Currently based in Hydro Group’s headquarters in Aberdeen, Scotland, Gabriel has been brought to the U.K. for intensive and extensive training over four months. During this time he has been trained in Hydro Group’s manufacturing processes and technology, as well as the company’s machining methods, molding procedures, electrical test and inspection procedures.
In addition, Gabriel has undertaken formal training and is now certified to J-STD-001 CIT soldering standard, and has his City & Guilds Certificate in Communications Cabling: Unit 2 Fiber Optic Cabling in an Internal Environment and Unit 3 Fiber Optic Cabling in an External Environment.
Following his time in the U.K., Gabriel will be returning to the Singapore office where he will take up his new role of managing the technical support team and passing on his knowledge of Hydro Group’s technologies and products.
Mr. Whyte continued, “The transfer of skills is vitally important to the success of the Singapore office and Hydro Group as a whole, ensuring that we deliver a consistent service and product quality globally.
“Gabriel’s role will have great influence on the recruitment and training of local employees. Gabriel is an experienced trainer and has worked regularly on offshore projects. His blend of technical and supervisory skills will enhance the service and support offering from our Singapore facility. An additional benefit Gabriel brings is that, a high percentage of our business is military related, meaning Gabriel will be able to make an educated contribution and understand better the needs of this market.”
Singapore currently represents Hydro Group’s second largest export market, with the Group identifying more than £1million of potential sales in the region per year.
hydrogroupplc.com
