Siemens AG (www.siemens.co.uk) is to open a new oil and gas headquarters in Houston, Texas. The German engineering group said that it is looking to “expand its footprint in US fossil fuels”.

This announcement comes 12 months after Siemens CEO Joe Kaeser said at a Houston conference that the group was considering moving more of its operations to the USA to capitalise on the shale boom.

Last September, Siemens agreed to buy Houston-based oil-fild equipment maker Dresser-Rand for $6.5 billion. Expected to be completed this year, that deal has led to an investor lawsuit and an investigation by the European Union, which is looking at whether it reduces competition in the sector.

In a statement about the new headquarters, Siemens board member Lisa Davis (pictured) said: “Expanding our base in Houston gives us access to a range of customers, including oil and gas producers and refiners. It is critical for our long-term growth.” Siemens already employs about 2,000 people in Houston. World-wide, the group has 300 manufacturing facilities and employs more than 350,000 people.