Air Energi Group, the global workforce solutions provider for the oil and gas industry, has acquired South Korea’s Kitco, a leading supplier of manpower, training, accommodation and procurement services, to establish the only provider of end-to-end local and expatriate manpower services. Kitco’s CEO, Choi Won-seong, will lead the integration of the new entity, Air Energi Kitco.
Home to three of the world’s major shipbuilders, South Korea accounts for 48 percent of the global offshore shipbuilding market by value. All floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) projects in the world are built in the country. Kitco has access to a database of more than 600 oil and gas professionals, and is now propelled with global mobility services, accommodation, and procurement services by joining forces with Air Energy. The company has exclusive arrangements with property developers that ensure access to high quality western-style apartments in key locations such as Ulsan and Geoje.
Duncan Gregson, Group CEO of Air Energi, said, “Many of Air Energi’s existing and target clientele are managing significant construction and fabrication projects out of South Korea for the foreseeable future.” He continued, “Kitco has built a fantastic business and a reputation for being the go-to player for oil and gas firms looking to resource projects in the region. This acquisition marks a major milestone for the Air Energi Group, provides a solution to the challenge of finding suitable accommodations for expatriate workers, and gives us first mover advantage over our international peer group in what is a burgeoning market.” Air Energy has more than 30 years of experience in providing client companies the perfect match of consultants and candidates engaged in the global oil and gas industry worldwide.
The ability to deliver an end-to-end service for both local and expatriate manpower needs in South Korea is a key differentiator for Air Energi. It provides oil and gas operators using Korean shipyards with a compelling case to consider the company as a trusted partner for the complete project lifecycle. The acquisition also builds on the Group’s valuable experience in the FLNG sector and across the oil and gas supply chain, while providing a springboard for further expansion into North Asia.
Ian Langley, group chairman of Air Energi, added, “We are delighted to confirm that Mr. Choi will be leading the new business. He has a long track record of success and a strong understanding of the local fabrication industry and the wider oil and gas market, which is hugely important to our approach of thinking globally and acting locally.”
Mr. Choi said, “This acquisition marks an important new chapter for our company, as we continue to see an increasing flow of work coming into the shipyards of South Korea.” He continued, “Being part of the Air Energi Group means that we have greater access to project-based opportunities and international markets, as well as oil and gas professionals with highly sought-after skills. I am looking forward to leading the integration of our businesses, which makes us the only in-country supplier of complete workforce solutions able to provide our clients with greater control of their workforce requirements and unrivalled quality of service.”
Air Energi has offices in over 40 locations and serves more than 50 markets worldwide. It has regional hubs in Manchester, the U.K.; Doha, Qatar; Houston, U.S.; Brisbane, Australia; and Singapore.
Air Energi Group, the global workforce solutions provider for the oil and gas industry, has acquired South Korea’s Kitco, a leading supplier of manpower, training, accommodation and procurement services, to establish the only provider of end-to-end local and expatriate manpower services. Kitco’s CEO, Choi Won-seong, will lead the integration of the new entity, Air Energi Kitco.
Home to three of the world’s major shipbuilders, South Korea accounts for 48 percent of the global offshore shipbuilding market by value. All floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) projects in the world are built in the country. Kitco has access to a database of more than 600 oil and gas professionals, and is now propelled with global mobility services, accommodation, and procurement services by joining forces with Air Energy. The company has exclusive arrangements with property developers that ensure access to high quality western-style apartments in key locations such as Ulsan and Geoje.
Duncan Gregson, Group CEO of Air Energi, said, “Many of Air Energi’s existing and target clientele are managing significant construction and fabrication projects out of South Korea for the foreseeable future.” He continued, “Kitco has built a fantastic business and a reputation for being the go-to player for oil and gas firms looking to resource projects in the region. This acquisition marks a major milestone for the Air Energi Group, provides a solution to the challenge of finding suitable accommodations for expatriate workers, and gives us first mover advantage over our international peer group in what is a burgeoning market.” Air Energy has more than 30 years of experience in providing client companies the perfect match of consultants and candidates engaged in the global oil and gas industry worldwide.
The ability to deliver an end-to-end service for both local and expatriate manpower needs in South Korea is a key differentiator for Air Energi. It provides oil and gas operators using Korean shipyards with a compelling case to consider the company as a trusted partner for the complete project lifecycle. The acquisition also builds on the Group’s valuable experience in the FLNG sector and across the oil and gas supply chain, while providing a springboard for further expansion into North Asia.
Ian Langley, group chairman of Air Energi, added, “We are delighted to confirm that Mr. Choi will be leading the new business. He has a long track record of success and a strong understanding of the local fabrication industry and the wider oil and gas market, which is hugely important to our approach of thinking globally and acting locally.”
Mr. Choi said, “This acquisition marks an important new chapter for our company, as we continue to see an increasing flow of work coming into the shipyards of South Korea.” He continued, “Being part of the Air Energi Group means that we have greater access to project-based opportunities and international markets, as well as oil and gas professionals with highly sought-after skills. I am looking forward to leading the integration of our businesses, which makes us the only in-country supplier of complete workforce solutions able to provide our clients with greater control of their workforce requirements and unrivalled quality of service.”
Air Energi has offices in over 40 locations and serves more than 50 markets worldwide. It has regional hubs in Manchester, the U.K.; Doha, Qatar; Houston, U.S.; Brisbane, Australia; and Singapore.