2 minute read
Thirty years and counting for Petrasco in Houston
Global logistics specialist Petrasco is marking three decades in Houston with new faces, a growing order book, and plans to expand the business to keep up with customer demand.
Through its Houston operation, Petrasco supports companies in the Americas by providing:
• International logistics services
• 3PL supply base and storage (primary or overflow)
• Inventory management
• Packing solutions
• Access to technical and manpower services
• Introduction to network of support services, such as administrative, legal and commercial
The Houston team also works closely with Petrasco colleagues in Aberdeen and the Middle East. One recent project saw Petrasco awarded a long-term contract by Dubai Petroleum to provide global logistics solutions for offshore/onshore gas fields, pipelines, and support services.
Work carried out in the UAE has been complemented with support from Petrasco’s other international offices, including Houston. The city is often seen as a gateway to Latin America and another recent project involved work in Argentina and Guyana, where Petrasco managed 480 tonnes of project cargo.
With nearly 50 years’ experience in the energy industry, Petrasco is a leading provider of international logistics solutions including air, sea and road freight services.
Since establishing a US presence in 1993, the company has gone from strength to strength and continues to evolve with increased demand for logistics solutions and freight forwarding providing opportunities for business growth across North America and beyond.
Celebrating its 30th year operating in Houston in 2023, Petrasco has recently been awarded several important contracts from local and international businesses. The largest of these have involved providing inventory management, packing solutions and freight movements on behalf of clients from its purpose-built energy logistics facility.
Chris Milne, regional director (Americas) at Petrasco, has recently relocated from Aberdeen to Houston to lead operations in the US.
He said: “The past 18 months have been extremely busy across all parts of the business, especially in Houston. There is undoubtedly huge growth potential and opportunities for us to build on the reputation we’ve developed over 30 years.
“We continue to find that having a well-established name and brand in Houston is an advantage for attracting new business. Even though it is an extremely competitive market, we are respected as a niche company with specific expertise of how the energy industry operates – which has stood us in good stead.
“As well as traditional forwarding of goods from A to B, there has been a significant upturn in clients asking us to hold and manage inventory on their behalf at our Houston facility – including those who don’t yet have a local presence. This can be a low-risk route for market entry before companies are ready to take on their own premises and provides a chance for us to work together with them as their business grows and requirements change.”
Petrasco offers a one-stop-shop for equipment backed-up with specific, local knowledge of the wider Americas region to help clients mobilise quickly and cost-effectively. The Houston facility – located a short distance from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport – has its own dock and loading bay, which allows for on-site container lashing and securing.
While currently only a small part of the business, there is also rising demand from the US domestic market. Petrasco consolidates orders from across the country, completes the necessary inventory checks, and then ships worldwide.
Chris Milne added: “Like any new market entry, the key to doing business in Houston is having the right people, equipment and technology on the ground.
“With our extensive knowledge of the local market, Petrasco is well placed to navigate companies through the process, giving them time to establish their business and personnel first with minimal capital expenditure and allowing a staged and steady growth process.”
Petrasco is sponsoring and taking part in the OGV Energy networking golf day at Tour 18 on April 30th and sponsoring the OGV Energy drinks reception on May 3rd. The team is looking forward to attending OTC and meeting visitors to Houston over the course of the week.
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