The University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) and Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), have joined forces to explore how some of the latest advanced manufacturing tools and processes can drive more-efficient ways to reduce cost and increase productivity across BHGE’s operations.

Joining the world-renowned research centre as a Tier One member, BHGE (www.bhge.com) will work with the AFRC’s team of engineers and researchers to improve its manufacturing processes and delivery of services.

Using its expertise and ‘state of the art’ equipment, the AFRC will help BHGE identify opportunities to cut costs and cycle times, while extending the lifespan of oilfield equipment required for operations in increasingly high-temperature and extreme-pressure environments.

Paul Cantwell, oil and gas knowledge exchange fellow at the AFRC, said: “We are delighted to welcome BHGE as a Tier One member — our first from the oil and gas sector.

"It is exciting to be working with such a dynamic organisation — one that is truly focused on improving what it does for the sake of the wider sub-sea plus oil and gas community.

"We are certain that the work we do together will have a positive impact in terms of supporting Scotland’s international reputation for innovation in the oil and gas sector.”

John Kerr, chief technology officer for BHGE’s oilfield equipment business, said: “The oil and gas industry is continually evolving, with the past few years driving the need to look at new ways to enhance efficiency, improve productivity and drive down cost.

"Manufacturing innovation has an important role to play, and this collaboration with the AFRC will expose our business to the latest in advanced manufacturing tools and processes.

"This will help to improve our own operations and help steer the direction of research for the benefit of manufacturing sectors globally.”