(EnergyAsia, May 29 2013, Wednesday) — Intertek, a leading global quality solutions provider, said it has invested £900,000 to develop a new centre in Malaysia to provide enhanced services to the oil exploration and production (E&P) sector in Southeast Asia. (US$1=£0.66).

Based in Kuala Lumpur, the facility includes two specialised laboratories to support Intertek’s plan to expand services for its E&P business as well as provide consultancy, technical support and testing services for the region. One of the laboratories analyses oil and gas samples while the other provides production chemistry, microbiology and corrosion testing services.

Started up last November, the three-floor, 10,000-sq foot facility was officially opened two weeks ago. The office has capacity for 30 people and recruitment plans are underway to increase the workforce by a third.

Intertek said it has been growing its business in the region over the past two years through a number of significant contract wins, particularly in production chemistry, corrosion and chemical testing. To date, these projects have been delivered from its production and integrity assurance centres of excellence in the UK.

Intertek said it has relocated two of its managers from the UK to the new office. Tom Whitfield is E&P manager while Douglas Bennet is microbiology manager, both with responsibility for Southeast Asia.

Dr Whitfield said: “Intertek has seen a growing demand for local testing and support services in Southeast Asia. We see Malaysia as the focal point for the region because it has a mature oil and gas market and also a large amount of exploration.

“Our facility is targeted at technology needs encountered by our clients. It will give them easier access to international experts in a range of disciplines from production chemistry and microbiology to materials performance and corrosion. Our aim is to reduce risk in the local industry through accurate, analytical assessment and testing.

“Malaysia is an established oil producer and continues to attract new activity by local and international energy companies in the region. Intertek plans to be a contributor to that success through the integrated support and services our new facility offers to companies operating in the region.”