The Valdez Spirit: Repowering for a Promising Future
A true family business, Stan and Mary Helen Stephens started operating fishing and hunting charters out of Valdez, Alaska on their first vessel the 26-foot m/v Mary Helen, in 1971. Soon after, the rest of the family joined in, operating tours on the waters around Valdez and in Prince William Sound. They have been promoting the beautiful scenery and important resources of this community ever since, officially as Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises. The business has remained a valuable community asset, contributing economic, educational and environmental benefits to this region.
Expansion Underway at Hydro Group
Aberdeen-based subsea cable and connector specialist Hydro Group, has expanded its premises by investing £2 million in a new 13,700 sq ft bespoke facility, set to open in spring 2016. The company currently occupies a 45,500 sq ft facility at the Aberdeen Energy Park, purchasing the additional 0.63 acres of development land from Buccleuch Property and Moorfield Group (Buccmoor LP) to enable it to expand operations and develop a brand new workshop with mezzanine deck. Doug Whyte, Hydro Group Managing Director, said: “The new facility and additional space was required in order to diversify and develop our business. Hydro Group, an Energy Park occupier since 2008, designs and manufactures underwater cables and connectors for subsea, underwater, topside and onshore applications.
One Year Anniversary, Crane Worldwide
The last year has not been kind to the global transportation business. Demand has skidded with the global economy. Yet one year after launch, Crane Worldwide is a growing new player in the industry. The Houston-based company, which provides a variety of shipping and logistical services, is on track to meet its original milestone of achieving $1b in revenue and 4,000 employees at the company’s five to seven year mark. In the year since its founding, Crane Worldwide has established 47 offices in 17 countries, grown to 500 employees and created a client base of dozens of leading global corporations in industries from aerospace to energy.
Viking Expands Facilities & Services
Viking Life-Saving Equipment announced its Seattle, Washington Service Station is moving to a larger, 6,000 sq ft facility on the Duwamish Waterway. The new location will open March 1st and ensure better access to the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle. Recently appointed, John Sanford will head the company's Seattle branch office and lead the West Coast sales division. Viking managing director of the Americas Al Osle made the announcement. The new station is equipped to service Viking's entire line of products, including the Marine Evacuation Systems currently installed on many major cruise ships.
