STATS Group continues to lead the way in pipeline isolation, hot tapping, and line stopping services, supporting the global energy industry from its headquarters in Aberdeen, Scotland.
With nine operational facilities, the company maintains an extensive international footprint spanning Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Australia.
At the core of its offering is a commitment to solving one of the industry’s most critical challenges: Enabling the safe and efficient repair, maintenance, and decommissioning of pipeline infrastructure.
STATS DNV type-approved double block and bleed (DBB) isolation tools (Tecno Plug® and BISEP®) allow operators to isolate pipeline sections and safely break containment for maintenance activities, including hot work across onshore, topsides, and subsea environments.
This approach minimises downtime, reduces environmental impact, and enhances operational safety.
EXPANDING GLOBAL CAPABILITY THROUGH DISCIPLINED WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
To support these safety critical activities, STATS embarked on a journey to redefine its learning and development programme, embedding a culture of continuous improvement at the heart of its operations.
Central to this transformation is a series of ECITB-accredited off-the-job-training courses, complemented by the introduction of a robust competency management system.
Together, these initiatives reinforce a clear and uncompromising principle: “If You’re Not Competent, Don’t Do It”.
This philosophy has underpinned a period of exceptional performance and growth.
Over the past couple of years, STATS has seen the impact of investing in its people, harnessing the skill, passion and commitment of its workforce as a primary driver of success.
This approach has allowed the company to grow its global footprint and localise in key regions, such as the Middle East, North America and Asia Pacific.
The company further strengthened its approach with the launch of an on-the-job training programme, achieving nearly 600 successful competency assessments.
Alongside this, a strong focus on leadership development has seen emerging leaders mentored and supported from within.
New initiatives, including a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system and a Graduate Development Scheme, demonstrate a sustained commitment to nurturing future talent and building long term capability.
A deep-rooted passion for zero harm to people and the environment runs through every aspect of STATS’ operations.
This is driven by a rigorous approach to competency development, with key technical staff undertaking mandatory, role specific training that is closely monitored through key performance indicators (KPIs).
These metrics track safety, operational efficiency, compliance and employee satisfaction and have delivered measurable results such as a significant reduction in safety incidents and a notable increase in client satisfaction.
LOCALISATION & RECOGNITION REINFORCE LONG-TERM STRATEGY
STATS commitment to workforce development extends beyond operational needs, reflecting a long-term strategy built around “growing our own.”
By recruiting graduates and apprentices and supporting their progression into senior roles, the company is creating a resilient talent pipeline.
An investment of £400,000 ($538,600) in global training underscores this commitment, enhancing both recruitment and retention by providing clear, structured development pathways.
This commitment to excellence has also been recognised externally, with Michael Horgan receiving the Graduate of the Year Award at the ECI Training & Development Awards, an achievement that highlights the success of STATS’ development approach.
Joining the business as a graduate engineer, Michael completed the in-depth development programme in under two years, progressing swiftly into a project engineer role.
He has contributed across safety, planning, finance and offshore operations, including the first UK subsea STATS BISEP® isolation, and went on to manage the company’s first hydrogen pipeline isolation and lead a multi-million dollar pipeline project.
More recently, he was selected to lead project delivery, stepping into a project manager role.
This journey not only reflects individual achievement but also exemplifies the effectiveness of STATS’ “grow your own” philosophy, demonstrating how structured development, real-world experience and trust in emerging talent can accelerate progression and deliver tangible value to the business.
STATS were also awarded with the Outstanding Skills Development Award at the Offshore Achievement Awards, further demonstrating the company’s dedication to workforce development.
Internationally, STATS has established a strong and growing presence across the Middle East, with operational facilities in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat and Dammam.
Each location is equipped with assembly and test workshops with design, project engineering and business support services all based in region.
Investment in locally manufactured equipment and in-house technical training programmes further strengthens the development of regional workforces.
A critical element of this expansion has been a firm commitment to nationalisation.
By employing local talent ranging from 10 per cent to as high as 80 per cent at various locations, STATS has successfully navigated cultural and language differences while strengthening relationships with clients and driving business growth.
Through a clear alignment of training, performance and long-term strategy, STATS continues to demonstrate how a disciplined, people-focused approach to learning and development can deliver not only operational excellence, but enduring business success.