Technip is investing more than US$84.7 million and more than four years to modernize its flexible pipe manufacturing plant, Flexi France, in Le Trait, France.
This plan focuses on the installation of new-generation machines and site optimization to fit 12m diameter reels, on which flexible pipes are spooled. Increasing the reel capacity from 9.6-12m in diameter will provide room for twice as much flexible pipes on each reel. Technip's investment will also create a new area dedicated to the testing flexible pipes.
Technip says the modernization will strengthen the company’s expertise and industrial capabilities at the site and will reinforce its global position in the production of flexible pipes, for the development of offshore oil and gas fields.
Field developments are becoming increasingly complex, including deepwater operations with higher pressure levels and more corrosive fluids. The high technology products manufactured in Flexi France are exported in their entirety internationally. The company relies on a more than 1800-strong network of suppliers, of which more than 1200 come from France.