Barrett Steel makes US move

STEEL stockholder Barrett Steel is launching its first overseas operation in the United States.

The Bradford firm is looking to capitalise on the US oil and gas sector by setting up Barrett Steel Energy Products, in Houston, Texas.

Dave Godfrey, managing director of Barrett’s engineering steels division, said: “The downturn in the UK construction market demonstrated to us all too clearly that we needed to refocus our strategy and move into new markets.

“We had already identified the oil and gas sectors as a new international marketplace for us, and this has been the impetus behind our expansion into Houston.

“We are confident that with our strong team of people, along with our new facility, this initiative will be a great success.”

Barrett Steel Energy Products will operate from a 33,000 sq ft facility offering tools and equipment used in the oil and gas industry.

Tim Ryan, who heads the Texas operation, said: “The new team in Houston is proud to be the first representation of Barrett Steel in North America.  Our position here allows us to serve the oil and gas equipment manufacturing community with the backing of an historically strong and proven company in a strategically important location.

“Barrett’s proven track record of customer service, operational efficiency and impeccable quality controls have been and will continue to be welcomed in this market.”