Swire Oilfield Services, the leading global provider of offshore cargo carrying units and associated services, has started work on its £4million Aberdeen headquarters, which will create up to 50 new jobs on completion.

The construction is part of a £50million investment for the company this year, supporting its global business development strategy. Around £20million is earmarked for North Sea operations, including providing new rental fleet units and support infrastructure.

The premises, which will be able to house 150 employees, will more than double the existing headquarters’ capacity of 70 people. Its opening will create new positions in areas such as finance, human resources, marketing, fleet design and global fleet procurement positions; underpinning the company’s commitment to the north-east of Scotland.

The new headquarters will be based in the Altens Industrial Estate on Souter Head Road. Inverness-based William Gray Construction is undertaking the building work, which is due for completion in summer 2012.

Chief operating officer Rupert Bray said, "The Aberdeen headquarters is a significant move, both internationally and regionally. Its opening will contribute to the success of our global business development strategy, as well as helping to consolidate the position of Swire Oilfield Services as a leader in its field. The new headquarters will also contribute towards the local economy, creating a range of new jobs requiring a variety of different skills."

As part of the £50million global investment, Swire Oilfield Services has also recently opened its North America corporate office in Houston, an area with a fast expanding marketplace. Located in one of the major oil capitals, the strategically positioned office will house the North American executive management and Houston commercial teams. Centrally locating the company in a growing marketplace, the new office will serve as the corporate hub for Swire’s North American operations as well as supporting other regions around the globe.