FMC Tech to Acquire 45% of Schilling Robotics
FMC Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FTI) and Schilling Robotics announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby FMC Technologies will acquire a 45% interest in Schilling Robotics LLC for $116m in a transaction expected to close no later than December 31, 2008. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to FMC Technologies’ earnings per share in 2009. FMC Technologies is a manufacturer and supplier of subsea production systems. Schilling Robotics is a producer of ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), ROV manipulator systems, control systems, and other technology equipment and services for oil and gas subsea exploration and production. FMC Technologies Chairman, President and CEO, Peter D.
Virtual Subsea Reality
A world-first virtual reality simulator for the sub-sea cable installation industry has been developed to offer improved training and reduce the costs and risk inherent in offshore operations. The system has been developed by the Virtual Reality Centre at Teesside for their Darlington-based client CTC Marine Projects. The simulation includes unique virtual replicas of CTC Cable Ships, Cable Ploughs, and ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicle). The virtual system will interface to a number of third party control systems including A-frame & tow winch control, drum & linear cable engine control and plough and ROV diagnostics/control. The system will be operated on-shore in CTC's state of the art VR-training suite.
