Latest News Articles
2009 News Articles
Most recently posted articles:
- Moody International Acquires PetroSpect Inspection Services, Ltd.
- MI Bulgaria's Ivan Savov Elected as Chairman of EFAC
- Russia - China Oil Pipeline
- Moody Marine
- Moody International - Africa Symposiums
- Chile Oil, Gas and Coal Chamber Meeting
- Moody International Technical Staffing Services division forms a new strategic alliance with Virtual Intelligence Providers, LLC, (VIP)
- Moody Marine Grants MSC Certification to the Ekofish Group North Sea
- Moody Wins Global Certification and Training Contract with Jotun Paints
- Moody Technical Staffing Services - Case Study on Monster.com
Other recently posted articles:
- BP Exploration Alaska
- Moody International Acquires EDN (Enterprise Development Network)
- Moody International In-Service Inspection Division
- Technical Inspection Services (TIS) - Competency Training Program
- Expanding Operations at Moody International Angola
- BHIC Bofors Asia Receives ISO 9001:2000 Certification from Moody International Certification
- Moody International Ranks #58 on the Sunday Times Deloitte Buyout Track 100
- Moody International South Africa Wins Two Key Contracts With Eskom
- Malaysia Ministry of Finance Receives Quality Award from Moody International - click on following link to read the Malaysia Daily Express Newspaper article regarding Moody International Certification's award of ISO certification to the Ministry of Finance (the first Ministry in Sabah to be QMS certified).
- BHIC Bofors Asia Newspaper Article (258K pdf)
- Malaysia Ministry of Finance Newspaper Article (36K pdf) - The Ministry of Finance (MoF) became the first Ministry in Sabah to be awarded the quality management system certification or MS ISO certification from Moody International
ANNOUNCEMENT
13 October 2009
Moody International today announced that it has acquired PetroSpect Inspection Services, Ltd., an in-service technical inspection and engineering support services provider to the USA Refining and Chemical Processing industry. PetroSpect is based in Texas City, Texas. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Brendan Connolly, CEO of Moody International, commented that, "This acquisition is in line with Moody's strategy to grow our Asset Integrity Services. PetroSpect has an enviable reputation for providing services and people to the industry, has a strong management team, and is a close cultural fit. PetroSpect complements our existing in-service business allowing us to better serve our clients through the provision of a wider range of services."
James Cesarini, General Manager of PetroSpect, commented, "PetroSpect prides itself on a 20-year history of providing quality visual in-service inspection services. We are excited to leverage Moody's global presence to expand PetroSpect's reach." Both James Cesarini and Tom Elkins, founder of PetroSpect, will continue with the company post acquisition.
- ends -
For further information contact Andrew Jackson, Group Mergers & Acquisitions Manager, telephone +44 1444 472940 or email a.jackson@moodyint.com
Note to editors:
Headquartered in the UK, Moody International is a leading global provider of technical inspection, technical staffing, consulting and training services to the oil and gas, construction, mining and power generation industries and provides system certification services to all sectors. Moody International is owned by management and Investcorp, the Bahrain based private equity firm.
PetroSpect Inspection Services Ltd. provides inspection services, using certified professionals, to the refining, petrochemical, oil and gas, and power industries.
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Congratulations, Ivan Savov!
At the recent annual meeting of EFAC (the European Federation of Associations of Certification Bodies), Moody International Bulgaria's Ivan Savov was elected as Chairman of EFAC. In this function, Ivan will act as the official representative of over 120 European certification bodies for the International Accreditation Forum, and will also be official representative of the EA (European co-operation for Accreditation), the European body responsible for the implementation of EU rules and directives relating to accreditation and certification. On behalf of everyone at Moody International, we wish you the best in your Chairman's role, Ivan!
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Russia - China Oil Pipeline
Inspection teams from both Moody Russia and Moody China will work on the same project, as Moody International has been selected by Transneft, Russia and CNPC, China as third-party inspection contractors to supervise construction of an oil pipeline river crossing.
The Russia / China oil pipeline is being constructed by CNPC and Transneft in their respective countries, with the river crossing section being constructed jointly by both companies. The 1,150 meter dual-line section will cross the Heilongjiang River on the border between Russia and China, with completion expected in June 2010. This pipeline, which runs from Skovorodino, Russia to China's northeastern city of Daging, will link Russia's far east to China's northeast, is set to start operation by the end of 2010. It is anticipated that the pipeline will transport 15 million tones of crude oil annually during the years 2011 through 2030.
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Moody Marine
The Moody International Management System Certification (MSC) division, Moody Marine, has a strong tradition of undertaking assessments and audits for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, and is proud to be responsible for certification services of two thirds of the fisheries that have already been through the process worldwide, and over half of those in the main assessment requirement.
According to Moody Marine Managing Director Andy Hough, its auditors' collective and extensive expertise makes Moody Marine a firm choice for companies seeking a certification body to take them through MSC assessment. Andy has been undertaking MSC assessments since the eco label originated in 1997 and now manages the operation for Moody Marine. He also provides advice and assistance to the company's auditors and clients throughout the world who benefit from his considerable experience. Feedback from clients is positive, and Moody has built an excellent reputation for its work.
The At-Sea Processors Association operates the world's largest MSC certified fishery, the Alaska Pollock Fishery, and their representative Jim Gilmour is delighted with the service provided by Moody Marine. "The organization brings knowledge and experience to the table in evaluating fishery sustainability, and works with an approach that fosters cooperation with the management agency, and openness to the views of a variety of stakeholders," he states.
In the past twelve months, demand has grown considerably for MSC certification and the Moody Marine division recently recruited a group of associate auditors to ensure it could meet forward demand. From a core staff of people based in the US and Europe, Moody now has expertise all over the globe and includes Spanish and French speakers. Andy Hough comments, "We are well placed to cover fisheries in all the world's oceans, coastal areas and estuaries, as well as freshwater lakes and rivers. Moody Marine is currently working in Africa, Asia, Europe, America, Australasia, the Pacific, and even in the Antarctic".
In 2008, the Moody Marine MSC introduced a standardized assessment tree which has ensured a transparent and consistent approach to fishery assessments. More recently the MSC�s new risk based framework for data deficient fisheries has encouraged more clients to come forward for assessment, "The MSC process provides an excellent independent review of the performance of a fishery and can help clients with access to markets and increased value of the landed product" explains Andy.
This article was written by Nicki Holmyard (nicki.holmyard@virgin.net) and first appeared in Fishing News International in summer 2009.
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MOODY INTERNATIONAL - AFRICA SYMPOSIUMS
MOODY INTERNATIONAL is delighted to be presenting TRAINING SYMPOSIUMS and networking luncheons together with an introduction to our new corporate portfolio in conjunction with subsidiaries Randy Smith Training Solutions (RSTS) and Enterprise Development Network (EDN).
The Symposiums, taking place in Angola (October 28), Nigeria (October 8), and Algeria (October 11), aim to drive world-class thinking on Health, Safety and Environment best practices in the oil & gas industry in AFRICA to the next level. The demand for oil & gas products has now pushed HSE issues to the forefront of the industry and this symposium aims to give the opportunity for participants and stakeholders to hear from experts and industry peers and discover the hottest developments in the effective management of health, safety & environment for the oil & gas industry.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SYMPOSIUM INCLUDE :
► Delivering World-Class HSE Culture and Risk Management, Safety Integrity Systems, Technical Inspection Services and Technical Staffing Services
► Designing for Safety - Exploring the Safety Aspects for Upstream and Downstream
► Effective Skills Management of Workforce to Maximize Safety
► Maintaining Operational Excellence while Securing World-Class HSE Practices
► Cultural Change through Leadership
► Client, Contractor, Subcontractor - Who's in Charge?
► Participate in sessions - giving participants and stakeholders the chance to discuss the latest issues with experts and colleagues - and the speakers - in an open, informal and intimate setting.
PRESENTERS ARE :
Frederic Leforestier - Moody International Board Director & Regional Director Africa
Andrew Lyon - EDN General Manager Africa
Dick Malkowski - RSTS Senior Instructor
For more information, please contact Moody International at info@moodyint.com
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Chile Oil, Gas and Coal Chamber Meeting
The Chilean government, in an initiative to attract private foreign investment to develop new oil & gas
fields, recently called a public bid for ten new blocks in the Magallanes Basin, extreme southern end of Chile. This basin presents the most suitable geological characteristics to develop hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation projects in the region. The Magellan Region has produced 63.88 million cubic meters of oil (401 million barrels) and 108.12 million cubic meters of natural gas (3.82 trillion cubic feet) since activities in the oil and gas industry began 60 years ago. To face the challenge of this new development process, the companies involved founded the first Oil, Gas and Coal Chamber to face the fact that the region presents important gaps in terms of industrial organization. The region does not have a highly developed oil, gas and mining cluster structure (the region's isolation is one of the major difficulties in this regard).
This new Chamber represents a collective private initiative to develop common positions when facing problems, legislation challenges, and other issues such as the lack of a trained and specialized work force. The first organized meeting took place on April 14th, 2009 at Methanex's expansive methanol production facility.
The facility includes the world's largest methanol plant and is located near the city of Punta Arenas on the Straits of Magellan in the Chilean Patagonia. Moody International attended the meeting, invited as the sole external company, to present Randy Smith Training Solutions' (RSTS) specialized training programs. RSTS was also able to convey the extensive experience and knowledge they have to offer in support of the industry's development in the region.
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Moody International Technical Staffing Services division forms a new strategic alliance with Virtual Intelligence Providers, LLC, (VIP)
HOUSTON, Texas USA : In what is otherwise a challenging time for business development and commercial associations, Moody International and VIP have opened new opportunities by executing a new strategic alliance staffing service agreement for IT and Infrastructure Support.
VIP's strength as a business technology provider resides not just in the specialized knowledge, maturity, poise and flexibility of its professional force, but also in its organizational commitment to excellence, ethical behavior, flexibility and affordability of all services and solutions offered. The firm's offer is a wide array of fields or areas of expertise, chief among them: ERP Project Support/Management, Implementation Support, Change Communications Advisory, Business Technology Training, Application Development, Performance Improvement for Organizations, Augmentation, Curricular Development and e-Learning Services. VIP is certified as a Minority, Women-Owned/Operated, Equal Employment Organization qualified to provide Technology Services at various levels, both for private and governmental organizations, and is registered with both the Houston Minority Business Council (HMBC), and with the
Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Sonia Clayton, VIP's CEO commented, "The relationship between Moody and VIP results in another very important, exciting and synergistic association. Moody's footprint and quality services, plus the flexibility, know-how and strength of VIP's capabilities in the IT/Infrastructure Support department, make this association one loaded with possibilities and potential. It also shows management determination, for both Moody and VIP, to keep moving forward in the face of existing challenges.
"Moody International is very excited to be associated with such a dynamic and successful organization in VIP", comments Chuck Parker, US Technical Staffing Services Divisional Manager. "The strategic alliance will very much benefit both VIP and Moody, but more importantly our clients, and our mutual ability to continue to provide them with the 'best of the best' in technical staffing resources."
Moody, headquartered in the UK and with its Americas regional office in Houston, has an international network of over 80 offices in 60 countries. It is a leading global provider of technical staffing, technical inspection, consultancy and training, to the oil and gas, construction, mining and power generation industries and ISO certification services to all sectors. Its blue chip client base includes ExxonMobil, Chevron, Conoco Phillips, BP, Aramco, Bechtel and Dow Chemical. Moody is one of the largest and most respected specialized technical staffing agencies operating in the oil, gas, energy, and engineering
marketplace, and the recent alliance with VIP broadens the technical services to now include additional information technology and related infrastructure support resources.
For further information please contact Chuck Parker at (832) 482-1907 or via e-mail at c.parker@moodyint.com
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Ekofish Group North Sea twin rigged otter trawl plaice
Achieves MSC Certification
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of the Ekofish Group North Sea twin rigged otter trawl plaice fishery was announced on 4th June 2009. The Group is the first in Europe to obtain independent certification for plaice as a well managed and sustainable fishery.
The Ekofish group chose Moody Marine as their independent accredited assessors, working closely with them to provide the detailed technical information necessary. This enabled Moody's expert team to evaluate the overall health of the fish stocks, the fishery's impact on the ecosystem, and the efficiency of the management system.
"We are pleased to verify that this fishery, which takes place in the central North Sea between Denmark and Scotland using a bottom trawl, has met the exacting standards of the MSC," says Dr Andy Hough, Director of Moody Marine. "Certification is valid for a period of five years, but we will carry out surveillance audits of the fishery throughout that time," he added.
The plaice fishery operates between April and December and has a quota of 2,500MT for 2009. Landed into the Netherlands, it is sold as whole fresh fish and also processed to provide fresh and frozen filets for the domestic and wider European markets.
Louwe de Boer of Ekofish explained that certification was an important step for his company and that close liaison was maintained with WWF Netherlands during the assessment process. "We operate a small fishery that operates in a tight geographic area, closes during the spawning season, uses large mesh gear, and an innovative trawl design. This means that there is a very low incidence of by-catch of undersized fish or non target species such as cod," he says.
The benefits of MSC are already apparent to the company. "There is currently demand for a greater volume of MSC certified product than we can land, and with interest growing fast in sustainability, we believe there will be an excellent market for our plaice in the future," stated Louwe.
Moody Marine recently augmented its team of experts with 16 new fishery auditors and has a global network of offices. Their appointment means that Moody now has reserve capacity and is more than capable of meeting the growing demand for certification audits.
Moody Wins Global Certification and Training Contract with Jotun Paints
Moody Certification Norway has successfully won a global contract with Jotun Paint for certification of all their production sites worldwide.
Jotun, with its Head Office is Sandefjord Norway. (www.jotun.com), is a global leader in the fields of Decorative, Protective, Marine and Powder coatings. The company has embarked on a universal certification scheme of implementing ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 into their production plants.
In all approx 60 new certifications will be started and completed within the next 18-24 months as well as 60 transfers of existing schemes.
Jotun have had a mix of Certification bodies for various standards and has been looking to standardise this for consistency and ongoing improvement. The contract awarded to Moody was won against fierce international competition.
In addition to the certification, Moody will also provide top management awareness training as well as awareness, internal auditor and lead auditor training to staff around the world, again to provide Jotun with a consistent internal approach.
As part of their commitment to this project, (due to be completed between the end of 2010 and mid 2011 ), Jotun has appointed a group ISO project manager located in Sandefjord and established a core unit of 4 regional managers who will liaise with MIC Norway on a regular basis.
From the Moody side, this contract will be run out of our office in Sandefjord, Norway, with the assistance of MI UK for training and 4 appointed regional coordinators to be responsible for the day to day liaison with their Jotun counterpart. The certification world wide will be based on Norwegian Accreditation.
Please feel free to visit the Jotun home page, and look at some of the exiting projects being completed with Jotun products. The Eiffel Tower, the Queen Mary 2 Cruise ship, various oil & gas platforms/vessels, the Burj Al Arab Hotel (the Sail), various land based industrial applications and the worlds highest building, soon to be completed, the Burj Dubai Tower.
Moody welcomes this opportunity to work with Jotun to provide a value for money range of services that will utilise Moody's substantial worldwide network.
For more information please contact Arne Dahl at a.dahl@moodyint.com
BP Exploration Alaska
The Technical Staffing Services (TSS) division of Moody International USA is proud to be a prime staffing agency to the British Petroleum Exploration Alaska (BPXA) group, headquartered in Anchorage.
BP Projects in Alaska
BP Exploration Alaska Offices - Anchorage, Alaska
BPXA in involved in various projects in the Alaska region. It has a major focus on the renewal of their "North Slope" infrastructure. The renewal will include various components, including the installation of new pipelines, structures, and other related facilities such as highly specialized leak detection systems.
Specific "North Slope" focus for BP over the years includes the Prudhoe Bay oil field, located approximately 650 miles north of Anchorage, first discovered in 1968 with production commencing in 1977. This oil field is reported as the largest field in North America and 18th largest discovered in the world. It is estimated that more than ten billion barrels of oil have been produced from this region alone.
BP is also developing its "Liberty Oilfield" which will see drilling the world's longest horizontal wells in order to reach an offshore reservoir in the Beaufort Sea region. This will be a spectacular undertaking, with an estimated cost of 1.5 billion and recovery of approximately 100 million barrels of oil.
Significant other exploration also continues in the Alaska region, where BP is involved in various oil recovery techniques including horizontal drilling, and both gas and gas cap water injection methods. Other areas of potential development include pipelines for the provision of natural gas from the North Slope to North American regions.
Moody International Acquires EDN (Enterprise Development Network)
London 20 March 2009 -- Moody International today announced the acquisition of The Enterprise Development Network (EDN), a Global Health, Safety & Environmental Consulting and Training company headquartered in Australia that provides services to the oil & gas, mining and other high-risk industries.
Moody, headquartered in Haywards Heath, UK, has an international network of over 80 offices in 60 countries. It is a leading global provider of technical inspection services to the oil and gas, construction, mining and power generation industries and certification services to all sectors. Its blue chip client base includes BP, Aramco, Bechtel and Dow Chemicals.
Pictured: Brendan Connolly, CEO, Moody
International and Peter Hobart, CEO, EDN.
Brendan Connolly, CEO of Moody International, commented: "The combination of EDN and Randy Smith Training Solutions, we previously acquired in 2007, will now enable us to provide a complete end-to-end change process for improving our client's safety culture. This latest acquisition of EDN will significantly enhance Moody's ability to provide HS&E solutions to large projects under our Managed Services offering."
George Siokos, Executive Chairman of EDN, said: "Since EDN's inception, our consultants have taken a broad organization development approach integrating safety systems with all other business systems to achieve a safe and productive workplace. The financial strength and geographic footprint of Moody International now enables us to continue to expand our raft of services, in order to help our clients achieve improved safe work outcomes along with broader productivity improvements."
Moody International In-Service Inspection Division
In-service inspection is defined as the provision of specialized inspection (often regulated by local authorities), and technical consultancy to operating facilities and equipment. Facilities include refineries, chemical processing plants, large mining refrigeration plants, operational boilers, storage tanks, process pipelines and auxiliary piping systems in such plants.
This service should be distinguished from the related turnaround inspections in which third party companies provide intensive inspection services, usually including non-destructive testing, while the refinery or processing plants are shut down for routine maintenance and statutory inspections.
Moody International offers in-service inspection services through its Technical Inspection Services (TIS) business unit. The acquisition of Schindler and Associates in 2006 expanded Moody's USA in-service inspection opportunities to include clients such as ConocoPhillips, 3M, BP USA, Marathon Refining, Kinder Morgan and others. Moody is an accredited (non-traditional) Authorized Inspection Agency (AIA) in the USA for statutory purposes. In South Africa, Moody continues to be strong with approximately 20% of operations there being related to in-service activities. Clients here include Sapref, Natref, Sasol Oil, Natcos and others.
Moody's current in-service inspection offerings include:
- Corrosion monitoring
- Remaining life/end of life calculations
- Inspection program auditing
- Fitness for service
- Inspection program implementation
- Asset Integrity Services (includes RBI)
- Corrosion/environmental audits of pressure equipment
- Routine code visual inspections of pressure vessels, pressure piping, atmospheric storage tanks, boilers and ancillary equipment to various codes, standards and local regulations
- In-service repair management, consulting, planning and certification
- Metallurgical and Failure Investigations
- Minimum Allowable Thickness Evaluations (MATs)
- Design Reviews and Inspection support for Re-rating and Modifications to equipment
- Specialised Non-Destructive Testing such as TOFD, Corrosion Mapping, IRIS and Eddy Current Testing in association with selected partners in the field
In support of Moody's in-service division the company employs highly skilled inspectors who are fully versed in the petrochemical, manufacturing, power generation and jurisdictional mechanical integrity inspection requirements. In the USA, these inspectors include those certified to API 510, API 570, API 653; National Board commissioned inspectors; ASNT TC 1A Level II certified inspectors in various disciplines, and AWS Certified Welding inspectors. In South Africa, inspectors are certified in the Competent Person Scheme in addition to any of the above certifications. Most work is undertaken by registered and qualified IPEs (Inspection of Pressurized Equipment) in South Africa.
Moody International is committed to a reliability-based approach to asset integrity - being Proactive not Reactive! If you have any questions about Moody's in-service inspection division, please contact Richard Dobson, TIS Business Unit Manager, at: r.dobson
moodyint.com.
Technical Inspection Services (TIS) - Competency Training Program
Moody International has committed to developing and releasing a series of training courses that will improve the integrity and quality of service provided to our clients. Such continual improvement is pivotal to any quality-based service organization.
In 2008, Moody completed a worldwide series of successful Project Coordinator (PC) charter training programs. A similar program is now currently being released targeted to the Technical Specialists (TS) group. Classroom-based training sessions have already taken place in the USA, Egypt, UK, and Norway. The contents of the Technical Specialist charter training program specifically address the Moody International processes, the corporate standards to which Technical Specialists are expected to adhere as a minimum, and the quality of service expectations within the organization.
Attendees during the recent TS charter training
in the UAE:
Front Row (Left to Right):
Jason Pereira (Ops Mgr, MI Qatar),
Hussain Al-Atrakchi (Regional Director,
Middle East Region),
Vediyappan Pandu (Technical Specialist,
MI UAE),
Gopal Rao (Project Manager, MI UAE),
Tariq Ahmad (Technical Specialist, MI UAE),
Madhavan Sadagopan (Regional Technical Manager
/ Regional Business Unit Manager, ME Region)
Back Row (Left to Right):
Maxwell Salins (Technical Specialist, MI UAE),
Sreekumar Nair (Technical Specialist, MI UAE),
Vadivel Kaliyannan (Technical Specialist, MI UAE),
Alex Panicker (Technical Specialist, MI UAE),
Sunil Kumar Garimidi (Technical Specialist, MI UAE),
Edgardo Atienza (Technical Specialist, MI Qatar),
Muhammad Waqas (Technical Specialist,
MI Pakistan)
For a global organization aspiring to maintain the status of 'technical service provider of choice', this charter training reinforces the importance of the consistency, quality, timeliness and relationship management (both internally and externally) in all that Moody International does to meet, and hopefully exceed, client expectations.
Moody International is convinced that this investment in training not only improves our capabilities, but also has a positive impact on the overall motivation of our employees. Both the PC and the TS charter training courses send out a uniform message:
- the importance of adhering to identical and consistent work processes
- understanding what is expected from each one of us on a daily basis
- being consistent in our approach to reporting
E-Learning
With one of the largest number of Technical Specialists in the industry, it would be impossible to invite all to attend classroom training. Therefore, in April 2009, Moody will launch an 'e-learning' solution that will allow all personnel to receive the training online.
Technical Specialists Competency Training Program
The TIS Business Unit group within Moody is currently developing a formal competency program, the objectives of which are to:
- Provide a mechanism for training and familiarization of existing and new generations of Technical Specialist and support resources;
- Develop and improve the breadth of knowledge of the less-experienced existing inspectors; and,
- Enable Technical Specialists to develop capabilities and prove competency in a range of technical disciplines and services lines, whether required explicitly by certain key accounts, accreditation bodies or local market opportunities.
This program consists of three stages:
Stage 1: Discipline Validation Assessment (DVA): to measure and validate the current state of knowledge held by Moody Technical Specialist and by technical discipline
Stage 2: Delivery of 'development' training for Technical Specialists identified as requiring 'top up' training to achieve the minimum level defined in the DVA
Stage 3: Improvement training (on-line and classroom based course programs) to improve the knowledge and competence of inspectors in the various technical disciplines.
These assessments will soon be available online. More information to come in future issues of Milestones (Moody International's newsletter).
Expanding Operations at Moody International Angola
Moody International first commenced operations in Angola in 2006, very successfully directed and administered by local managing partner Mr. Alex Casimiro.
Pictured : Alex Casimiro, Helia Chamuel,
Frederic Leforestier, Benitel (Ben) Miguel and
Keith Brown
Capitalizing on a ever-increasing rapid market expansion as a result of major oil & gas offshore developments, Moody International recently set-off on a strategy to build an even stronger presence in Angola. This resulted in the recent appointment of a new Operations Manager, Mr. Keith Brown. As well, Ms. Helia Chamuel and Mr. Benitel (Ben) Miguel were hired as Administrative Assistant and Company Driver respectively. Moody Angola also moved to new offices in the Alvalade area in Luanda, within close proximity to the city center and Luanda airport.
Activities in Angola include the supply of Technical Staffing Services (TSS) of both expatriates and Angolan nationals to major oil & gas companies operating in the region, including ExxonMobil, Technip, Bechtel, and BP. Moody Angola also provides over forty Angolan nationals to support the local BP operations in Luanda. As well, with the support of the Moody International Group, Moody Angola is currently working to develop and train local resources to provide Technical Inspection Services (TIS) such as vendor inspection and expediting, in major manufacturing centers in the region.
Frederic Leforestier, International Board Director and Regional Director for Africa, notes "Angola is one of our key development countries in Africa and I am confident that with this new structure, Moody International Angola is now even better positioned to deliver our services locally and win additional work with major oil & gas companies operating in the region. Keith, together with continued support from Alex Casimiro and the local team of Helia and Ben, will be instrumental in making our operations in Angola even more of a success."
BHIC Bofors Asia Receives ISO 9001:2000 Certification from Moody International Certification
Please click here for the article in its original format and language.
The article originally appeared on the BHIC Bofor website.
The article is translated below:
Pictured : Augustine Loh (Lead Auditor)
and Dat A. Aziz Mat (Director of Certification
Governing Board) hands over the certificate from
Moody International to Bengt Bjurstrom.
Our Malaysian subsidiary has received third-party certification
Our joint venture in Malaysia, BHIC Bofors Asia, has now been third-party certified by Moody International in accordance with ISO9001:2000. The company was previously named PSC Bofors Defence Asia.
The company was formed on 28 May 2004.
Boustead Defence Technologies Cooperation Bhd and BAE Systems Bofors Holdings each hold a 50 per cent share in the company.
Business operations consist primarily of service, maintenance, and delivery of spare parts to the Royal Malaysian Navy and Coast Guard. We also conduct all types of operator and maintenance training. A portion of the spare parts sold are manufactured by local contractors in Malaysia.
We are geographically situated in three locations. The head office is located in Kuala Lumpur. In addition, we have two workshops, one in Lumut on the west coast and one on Labuan, which is a small island outside the city of Kota Kinabalu on Borneo.
The company currently has 21 employees.
So how was certification performed? The road to third-party certification, in accordance with ISO9001:2000, began two years ago. Initially a consultant was contracted to train and run the certification process.
It became evident that this was not a model for success and the decision was therefore made to run the project internally from within the company. I was then requested to take the lead and conduct the internal training and the certification process.
The biggest challenge was to get everyone to understand that the important thing for the company was to create a culture where quality permeates everything we do. Not just having a certificate to hang on the wall. Then we could begin to prepare ourselves for certification. The process takes time but we have come a long way.
There was even external pressure in the form of requirements from the Malaysian Ministry of Defence that contractors should be third-party certified.
We were forced to constantly remind each other of the importance of having quality in everything we did; particularly when it came to the main areas of establishment and documentation of our operations system.
In these areas it was important that all managers were actively involved. The three main areas were:
- Process mapping
- Quality Assurance manual
- Regulations and procedures
We arranged a great number of seminars with all of the managers to conduct process mapping.
A Process Owner was appointed and mapping was conducted with great focus and enthusiasm. The seminars and "homework" made everyone feel involved.
Procedure Owners were appointed and documentation and development of procedures were conducted in parallel with process development.
The Quality Assurance manual was prepared by the Quality Assurance department. In addition to the managers, all other personnel were also trained and motivated about the processes and procedures that were established.
Moody International, the internationally recognized certification institution, was engaged to conduct the certification. This is a company with a good reputation around the globe.
Before certification, a pre-audit was conducted by Moody International - on our own initiative. Our documented business operations system passed without faults. However, we received a number of recommendations for actions regarding business operations. All of these have been implemented and the Quality Assurance department has subsequently conducted two major internal audits of the application of all procedures.
During the week of 20-24 October, Moody International conducted their audit of the head office and the two workshops. The results were very successful with only two minor remarks. These have already been corrected and reported to Moody International.
So what has been positive, respective less positive, about the certification? The focus placed on quality assurance has been very valuable to all work currently performed by the company. Another positive effect has naturally been the engagement and solidarity that all of the seminars and the subsequent documentation have created. This is not only useful during certification, but also for all future work within the company and has really united us.
The only negative aspect of this process that I can see is the involvement of a consultant in the beginning. It did not work well at all and it cost us time.
We now look confidently ahead and there is much still to be done and much that must be done with continuous improvements.
"If you stop improving, you will never excel".
Moody International Ranks #58 on the Sunday Times Deloitte Buyout Track 100
Moody International achieved rank number fifty-eight (58) in The Sunday Times Deloitte Buyout Track 100 for 2009.
"Buyout Track 100 is researched and compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based networking events and research company that ranks Britain's top private companies and provides a network for entrepreneurs to meet. It highlights how successfully private-equity investors have employed their international networks, financial capabilities and sector expertise to identify savings, expand into new markets and improve profitability.
The Buyout Track 100 league table ranks Britain's mid-market private-equity-backed companies with the fastest-growing profits over the latest two years. Moody has seen profits grow 43% a year from 11.5m GBP in 2005 to an annualized 23.6m GBP in 2007. Criteria: Companies had to be registered in the UK and be independent, unquoted and ultimate holding companies. At least 20% of a company's equity must be owned by a private-equity fund." (Reproduced by permission. Copyright The Sunday Times).
�Deloitte has continued its support of The Sunday Times Buyout Track 100 supplement, which is now in its third year. All the businesses featured demonstrate that despite the downturn and tightening debt markets there are still opportunities for growth. The league table tracks the UK's top 100 mid-market companies with the fastest growing profits and ranks them by their annual growth in EBITDA over the last two years. The companies in this year's Buyout Track 100 have increased their profits by an average 54% over the past two years and employ nearly 86,000 people." (courtesy of www.deloitte.com).
Moody International South Africa Wins Two Key Contracts With Eskom
Pictured : Mr. Sipho Tjabadi (General Manager,
Quality Management); Visham Bhimsan
(Moody International Country Manager RSA and
Regional Technical Inspection Services Business
Unit Manager: Africa)
The South African state owned electricity provider, Eskom, has awarded two five-year renewable contracts for its new-build power plants, to Moody International South Africa. The global inspection contract, where Moody International South Africa is the contract holder, will see various Technical Inspection Services (TIS) opportunities for the Moody International Group. The local inspection contract, jointly held with a South African empowerment company, Sebata Institute, will focus primarily on inspection and audit activities within South Africa.
Eskom has embarked on an ambitious new-build program expected to run for seventeen years. The Medupi Power Station will be the fourth largest coal fired station in the world when commissioned between 2012 and 2015. Moody International South Africa has been appointed as the Approved Inspection Authority (AIA) and client inspection body for the power station. The current capital cost of the project is estimated at USD ten billion. This is the first new build power station in South Africa in over twenty years.
The second power station, Kusile, is also underway and will be fully commissioned by 2017. It will replace Medupi as the fourth largest coal fired station in the world upon completion. Eskom has also began work on pumped storage schemes and peaking stations to supplement the expected peak demand. An additional 10,000 MW (25%) of installed capacity will be added by the two coal fired stations and the pumped storage scheme will add 30% to the available peaking capacity.
The estimated total capital expenditure over the new-build program period is expected to reach USD 100 billion which includes Return To Service (RTS) of various mothballed power stations in South Africa.
Led by Managing Director Visham Bhimsan, Moody International South Africa began a selective diversification strategy two years ago in order to grow outside the downstream O&G (Petrochemicals) sector in South Africa . The Eskom contracts, amongst others, are seen as key to this strategy. In addition to Medupi, Moody International South Africa will be engaged in various Technical Inspection Services for the ongoing maintenance and replacement activities at the various existing coal fired stations.
