Craig International, an oilfield procurement specialist, has opened new offices in Dubai, UAE and Doha, Qatar following the award of a contract to manage a $55million client spend with a major operator in Qatar.

The five-year contract entails out-sourced procurement services, a statement said. The offices will initially employ nine people with more planned as the company expands its business in the region.

 Jill MacDonald, joint managing director of Craig International said: “This prestigious contract has allowed us to bring forward our plans for the Middle-east, a region we have been eyeing for some time. We have worked hard in the last few months to find and move into suitable premises and employ qualified people, both nationals and expats.

“By out-sourcing the management of procuring oilfield products and services, our client will benefit from major cost-savings and greater efficiencies. At Craig International, we can procure virtually anything, from any source, and deliver it on time, wherever it’s needed. And given our considerable consolidated buying power, our relationship with suppliers and the efficiencies of our system, we guarantee cost-savings.”

Craig International has a global network of pre-qualified suppliers, over 60 experienced and qualified buyers in six countries covering every continent, proven out-sourcing experience, recognised international accreditations and on-line procurement tools and processes.

Craig International is a division of privately-owned shipping and energy services firm, Craig Group.

Douglas Craig, chairman and managing director of Craig Group said: “This is the first venture in the Middle-east for Craig International and, combined with its extensive operations in Europe and North America, significantly widens its global reach. We anticipate strong growth from overseas oilfield procurement business as a result, even in this challenging climate.” – TradeArabia News Service