Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

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Mark McNeill’s globetrotting efforts have allowed Master Flo Valve and Stream-Flo Industries to thrive during numerous downturns FALL 2011 PM#40020055 INVESTORS IMPRESSED BY SERVICES SECTOR GOLFING FOR EDUCATION MAXIMIZING COMPANY VALUE

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The Petroleum Services Association of Canada is the national trade association representing the service, supply and manufacturing sectors within the upstream petroleum industry.

Transcript of Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

Page 1: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

Mark McNeill’s globetrotting efforts have allowed Master Flo Valve and Stream-Flo Industries to thrive during numerous downturns

F A L L 2 0 1 1

PM#40020055

INVESTORS IMPRESSED BY SERVICES SECTOR

GOLFING FOR EDUCATION

MAXIMIZING COMPANY VALUE

PSAC_Fall_2011_p01.indd 1 8/12/11 12:48:12 PM

Page 2: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

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• No workers in hot zone

• Low pressure lines

• Increased production, decreased HSE risk

ERS has put safety and environment at the top of their list. This system is truly innovative and, quite frankly, is the Best Available Practice I have encountered.

S. Hanelt, CFEI, CVFI SCO Fire Investigator/InspectorSafety BOSS Inc.

1-855-296-3722 (FRAC) • www.fracshack.com

Winner of the ACSA Trailblazer safety award for 0 incidences in 2010

000PSN.EnviroRefuel_FP.indd 1 8/17/11 4:01:59 PM

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Features

Departments47

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COVE

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CONTENTSF A L L 2 0 1 1

ALL ABOARDInvestment dollars are fl owing into

Canada’s petroleum services sector

and opportunities for capitalizing

are spanning the globe

INVESTMENT SYMPOSIUMPSAC member companies showcase

the services sector in front of a very

eager crowd

SWINGING FOR CHARITY PSAC’s Education Fund gets a big

boost during a day at the golf course

11

14

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

2011 CANADIAN DRILLING ACTIVITY FORECAST UPDATEActivity levels continue rising in the Western

Canadian Sedimentary Basin

IN THE FIELDNews and notes from the industry

BUSINESS MATTERSBe prepared: more mergers and acquisitions are

expected in the patch

PSAC IN ACTIONAdvocacy and outreach initiatives from PSAC

spread far and wide

MEMBER PROFILEBri-Chem Steel Corp. builds a new plan

for supplying pipe

COMMUNITY MATTERSUnited Centrifuge helps keep a Saskatchewan

city busy

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PETROLEUM SERVICES NEWS

07

• No workers in hot zone

• Low pressure lines

• Increased production, decreased HSE risk

ERS has put safety and environment at the top of their list. This system is truly innovative and, quite frankly, is the Best Available Practice I have encountered.

S. Hanelt, CFEI, CVFI SCO Fire Investigator/InspectorSafety BOSS Inc.

1-877-807-TANK • www.envirofuel.ca

Winner of the ACSA Trailblazer safety award for 0 incidences in 2010

000PSN.EnviroRefuel_FP.indd 1 4/26/11 1:46:05 PM

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4 Fall 2011

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

T’s Fun again.” That’s what a senior executive from one of our member

companies told me over the phone recently when discussing the mood of our

industry. I agree because it’s been a year since I came to the Petroleum Services

Association of Canada (PSAC) and the time has flown by!

This past year has been an eye-opening experience for me. One of the most significant

lessons I’ve learned is how PSAC came about as a national organization 30 years ago and

why our efforts continue to be needed. The introduction of the National Energy Program

was the impetus for creating PSAC and over the years the organization has worked

tirelessly to strengthen the voice of the services sector. The changes in Alberta’s royalty

regime a few years ago solidified what we knew – the need to champion the interests of

the sector with government was greater than ever. Additionally, PSAC recognized the

community at large had lost sight of how the energy industry functions. The sector’s voice

had to become stronger and more widespread. We have successfully increased awareness

and understanding of the sector and its leadership in industry.

Looking ahead, PSAC’s presence will be important to ensure policy-makers stay

mindful of the need to balance fiscal stability, productivity gains, health and safety

performance, and environmental protection, especially as discussions continue about a Canadian

energy strategy. These discussions will hopefully lead to a greater participation by industry in setting

the stage alongside government for Canada’s energy future whilst avoiding policy that could deliver

significant unintended consequences. This stands true in consultations regarding labour issues, tax

programs and education policies aimed to improve the economic viability of our sector.

So as I close out my first year, I have increasing appreciation and respect for the reasons PSAC

exists and the important role we play. My goal is to keep the upstream petroleum services sector at

the forefront of all industry and community discussions. PSAC represents a sector that is second

only to the exploration and production industry in contributions to Canada’s GDP, taxes paid and

employment levels. We made this point clear while participating at the summer meeting of Canada’s

Minsters of Energy and Mines in Kananaskis regarding a Canadian energy strategy.

PSAC will also continue advancing its leadership position across industry. While each industry

association has their specific sector-defined mandates, we all share issues that require attention, such as the

shortage of skilled labour, emerging policy discussions about multi-stage fracing, and the disparate lack of

understanding of the contributions made by Canada’s oil and gas industry to many communities and to our

nation’s economy. All these concerns require a cohesive response from industry and we will continue to work

with our peers to engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure workable policies are developed.

Finally, a tenet of my vision is to continue growing PSAC’s membership. Members tell me

that joining PSAC offers them credibility worth more than the price of membership. I also hear

consistently that members appreciate the additional benefits PSAC offers: participation on

committees, involvement in industry events, and receipt of regular communications that apprise

them of key trends. We will carry on building these initiatives to provide members with new

opportunities to showcase their business acumen, leadership and community spirit.

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, I see a bright future for PSAC and we look forward to sharing

in the collective successes of our members and all our stakeholders.

Keeping the Good Times Rolling

I

PETROlEuM sERvicEs nEws

Sincerely,

Mark SalkeldPSAC President

Mark Salkeld, Psac President

PSAC_Fall_2011_p04-05.indd 4 8/12/11 12:51:29 PM

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WWW.PSAC.CA 5

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FALL 2011 VOL 11 • No.2

PETROLEUM SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF CANADA 1150 800 6TH AVENUE SW

CALGARY, AB T2P 3G3TEL: 403.264.4195FAX: 403.263.7174

PRESIDENT AND CEO: MARK SALKELDDIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: KELLY MORRISON

MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND EDITOR: HOLLY KERR

PETROLEUM SERVICES NEWS IS PUBLISHED FOR PSAC BY

VENTURE PUBLISHING INC. 10259-105 STREET,

EDMONTON, AB T5J 1E3TEL: 780.990.0839FAX: 780.425.4921

TOLL-FREE: [email protected]

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[email protected] • PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT #40020055 CONTENTS © 2011 PSAC. NOT TO BE REPRINTED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION.

The Petroleum Services Association of Canada is the national trade association representing the service, supply and manufacturing sectors within the upstream petroleum industry. PSAC represents a diverse range of over 250 member companies, employing more than 58,000 people and contracting almost exclusively to oil and gas exploration and production companies. PSAC member companies represent over 80 per cent of the business volume generated in the petroleum services industry.

PSAC_Fall_2011_p04-05.indd 5 8/12/11 12:51:36 PM

Page 6: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

© 2011 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Trusted advisers to Canada’s Energy Services Sector

kpmg.ca

000PSN.KPMG_FP.indd 1 7/26/11 1:38:47 PMPSAC_Fall_2011_p06-09.indd 6 8/12/11 12:51:55 PM

Page 7: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

UR PUBLIC OUTREACH PROGRAM continues to spread

the word. For about a year, we’ve been distributing PatchWorks, our series of short, monthly articles that provide information,

facts and statistics to industry employees and the public. We’ve

received terrifi c feedback about topics that readers want covered, and indications

the publication is being read far and wide among PSAC member company

employees, other industry employees, oil and gas associations, educational

institutions, and other stakeholders. PatchWorks can be downloaded directly at

PSAC’s public website www.oilandgasinfo.ca/patchworks.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS PSAC, along with our upstream oil and gas industry partners, launched the

new industry-wide Community Partners program on June 1 in Weyburn,

Saskatchewan at the Saskatchewan Oil & Gas Show. As well, PSAC welcomed

Prairie Mud Service, United Centrifuge and Encana to the program. Encana

joins Anderson Energy and Elkhorn Resources as part of the growing list

of exploration and production companies working to help strengthen

relationships between industry and community members. Companies that

Public Exposure

OPSAC’S EFFORTS TO CONNECT THE SERVICES SECTOR AND THE COMMUNITY ARE WELL–RECEIVED

sign on with Community Partners receive

recognition as participants in this important

program by having their logo and a link to

their website posted on the Community

Partners site (www.communitypartners.ca).Throughout the spring and summer, PSAC

board members and senior staff delivered

presentations about the Community

Partners program to Canadian Association

of Petroleum Producers Executive

Policy Groups (EPGs), including

the Alberta, Saskatchewan and

Northern Canada EPGs. More

producers have now expressed interest in signing on to the program. The next

phase of Community Partners will be rolled out this fall.

Don’t forget Community Partners offers a collection of tools that will help

remind employees and contractors about respectful behaviour in the fi eld.

A one-minute catchy jingle can be found on www.communitypartners.ca

and also on YouTube by searching “PSAC community partners.” Also on

www.communitypartners.ca, collateral items including vehicle air fresheners,

windshield decals, tailgate magnets and hard hat stickers are available for

companies to order and distribute to their employees.

HE PSAC 2011 Canadian Drilling Activity Forecast

third quarter update, released in July by the Petroleum

Services Association of Canada (PSAC), forecasts another

increase in Canadian drilling activity levels.

PSAC is now forecasting 13,325 wells drilled (rig released) for 2011, up

375 wells from April’s mid-year update. This amounts to an increase

of 10 per cent over the total wells drilled across Canada in 2010. PSAC

is basing its updated 2011 Forecast on average natural gas prices of

CDN$3.75/mcf (AECO) and crude oil prices of US$99/barrel (WTI).

“All signs going forward indicate a continuing positive outlook for the

services sector, given new technologies, innovations and effi ciency gains

that accompany strong oil prices,” says Mark Salkeld, President of PSAC.

Despite severe wet weather in south eastern Saskatchewan and

Manitoba, the increase in rigs released was largely due to a shift of

activity to other areas, most notably to west-central Saskatchewan.

“Despite tough weather conditions and a prolonged breakup, the

No Slowing Down

TDRILLING ACTIVITY CONTINUES TO INCREASE WITH SASKATCHEWAN LEADING THE PACK

services sector continues to meet the need to shift to other operating

areas, ensuring drilling activity is staying on course so that effi ciency

and productivity goals are being met,” Salkeld says.

On a provincial basis for 2011, PSAC expects the greatest increase in well

count to take place in Saskatchewan with 3,273 wells, an increase of 17

per cent over 2010. Manitoba slightly trails with a predicted 14 per cent

increase to 590 wells. Alberta will keep pace at 8,761 wells to be drilled,

an 8 per cent increase, and B.C. will see a slight increase of 2 per cent

with 660 wells to be drilled.

Alberta: 8,390British Columbia: 700Saskatchewan: 3,075Manitoba: 550Canadian Total: 12,750

13, 000

12, 000

11, 000

10, 000

9, 000

8, 000

7, 000

6, 000

5, 000

4, 000

3, 000

2, 000

1, 000

0

BRITISH COLUMBIA: 554

NUM

BER

OF O

IL W

ELLS

TOTAL IN CANADA: 12,950

2011 DRILLING ACTIVITY FORECAST(NUMBER OF WELLS)

ALBERTA: 8,732

SASKATCHEWAN: 3,043

MANITOBA: 587

GRAPHHed: 2011 Drilling Activity Forecast (number of wells)

British Columbia: 554Alberta: 8,732Saskatchewan: 3,043Manitoba: 587

Total in Canada: 12,950

BRITISH COLUMBIA: 660

ALBERTA: 8,761

SASKATCHEWAN: 3,273

MANITOBA: 590

TOTAL IN CANADA: 13,325

Saskatchewan’s Minister of Energy and Resources Bill Boyd spoke about Community Partners’ importance to industry and communities in the province.

WWW.PSAC.CA 7

DRILLING ACTIVITY FORECAST UPDATE

PUBLIC OUTREACH PROGRAM

© 2011 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Trusted advisers to Canada’s Energy Services Sector

kpmg.ca

000PSN.KPMG_FP.indd 1 7/26/11 1:38:47 PM PSAC_Fall_2011_p06-09.indd 7 8/12/11 12:52:59 PM

Page 8: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

TDG Non-WordedDOT Worded

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schlumberger recently donated a software package worth

more than $69 million to SAIT’s MacPhail School of Energy. The

software will enable students in the Bachelor of Applied Petroleum

Engineering Technology and Petroleum Engineering Technology

programs learn how to help the industry improve business performance

by reducing risk in exploration and development.

Precision Drilling reached a cumulative charitable milestone of $1.8 million on June 22 when they presented STARS with $1 million to

be donated over the next five years. Precision Drilling is the first oil and

gas service company to reach this level of donation with STARS. A total

of $500,000 will be given as a direct donation, while the other half will

be a gift-in-kind to be auctioned off at the annual STARS & SPURS Gala

presented by PSAC.

Flint Energy Services was named by Alberta Venture magazine as one of Alberta’s Best Workplaces for 2011, leading the way in the

Health and Safety category. The award was presented specifically for

Flint Energy’s excellence in employee safety, benefits and wellness.

in the field News, events and activities in the industry

PSAC Members Shine in the Community

COMinG eVenTS

PSAC Pre-drilling Season MeetingSeptember 14, 2011

Pomeroy Hotel

Fort St. John, B.C.

www.psac.ca/events

enform Power line Safety and Awareness WorkshopSeptember 20, 2011

Nisku, Alberta

and

November 15, 2011

Calgary

www.enform.ca

PSAC 2012 drilling Activity forecast and industry OutlookNovember 3, 2011

TELUS Convention

Centre, Calgary

www.psac.ca/events

PSAC Annual General Meeting November 3, 2011

TELUS Convention

Centre, Calgary

www.psac.ca/events

PSAC industry dinner with Keynote Speaker Robert Johnston of the eurasia Group

November 3, 2011

TELUS Convention

Centre, Calgary

www.psac.ca/events

neW MeMBeRS

Regular MembersGreywolf Research

Inc.

Logan Completion

Systems

(a division of

Logan

International)

Sure Shot Wireline

Associate MembersAudit Tree

Canadian Society for

Unconventional Gas

Coreworx

Mentor Engineering

Mobile Data

Technologies

Oil and Gas

Recruitment

PwC (Pricewater-

house Coopers)

The RSC Group

Prime Essential

Systems

SAIT Polytechnic

SGS Canada

Travelers Canada

PSAC_Fall_2011_p06-09.indd 8 8/12/11 12:53:13 PM

Page 9: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

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Page 10: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

1817 10th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T3C 0K2 Telephone (403) 266-4094 Fax (403) 269-1140

Docket: 33656 Due Date: Nov.10.10 Client: ATB Description: Corporate Financial Services Ad: SanjelSize: 8.25"x10.75" (8.75" x 11.25" bleed) Insertion Date: Winter Issue Publication: PSCA News Colour: cmykAccount Ex: N.Moe Designer: S.Shymko Production: B.Pfleger

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DALE DUSTERHOFT, CEO, Trican

PSAC_Fall_2011_p10-15.indd 10 8/12/11 12:54:56 PM

Page 11: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

11WWW.PSAC.CA

1817 10th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T3C 0K2 Telephone (403) 266-4094 Fax (403) 269-1140

Docket: 33656 Due Date: Nov.10.10 Client: ATB Description: Corporate Financial Services Ad: SanjelSize: 8.25"x10.75" (8.75" x 11.25" bleed) Insertion Date: Winter Issue Publication: PSCA News Colour: cmykAccount Ex: N.Moe Designer: S.Shymko Production: B.Pfleger

COMPANIES THAT RESPOND NEED COMPANIES THAT RESPONDLike Sanjel, more and more of Alberta’s top companies want ATB as their financial partner. ATBresponds.com

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Aboardith all the talk of economic recovery and new life being breathed into the oil and gas industry, service operators might have collectively held their breath when the $5.4 billion deal between Encana and PetroChina was called off. After more than

a year of negotiations, the two companies walked away in June from a planned joint venture to tap natural gas assets in B.C.’s Cutbank Ridge region.

More notably for the services sector, cause for concern might have risen after Clean Harbors offered $247 million for Badger Daylighting’s business in January, only to see the deal fall through.

It turns out, the inability of those deals to close is looking more like the exception, rather than the rule. Capital for companies looking to change hands is available to the industry and businesses with technology developed in western Canada are receiving top dollar around the world.

INVESTMENT DOLLARS ARE FLOWING INTO CANADA’S PETROLEUM SERVICES SECTOR AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAPITALIZING ARE SPANNING THE GLOBE

W

All

A recent report from Probity Capital Advisors,

providing a rundown of merger and acquisition activity

during the fi rst half of the year, noted 20 transactions in

the oilfi eld services sector worth a total of $1.6 billion,

an average of $80 million per deal. The majority of the

activity took place in the second quarter, as companies

looked to come out of spring breakup with the manpower

and equipment to secure more work. It’s not just that

there’s more work in the patch either, but drilling is

becoming more complex as new technology is deployed.

As activity in western Canada shifts to horizontal wells

and gas operations are using unconventional methods

to focus on oil reserves, the length of holes being drilled

is getting deeper. The amount of fl uid being used is also

increasing as multiple hydraulic fracturing stages are

applied to get the most out of a reservoir.

“Once the industry realized they could use the same

technology from horizontal drilling and fracing in shale

gas for oil, that really invigorated activity since producers

DALE DUSTERHOFT, CEO, Trican

PSAC_Fall_2011_p10-15.indd 11 8/18/11 9:09:48 AM

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12 FALL 2011 PETROLEUM SERVICES NEWSPETROLEUM SERVICES NEWS

could get more for oil by repurposing key technology for

more lucrative markets,” says Robert Johnston, Director

of Global Energy and Natural Resources with the Eurasia

Group.

Canadian-born, Johnston has been working in the

U.S. since heading south to study for a doctorate degree

at American University in Washington, D.C. He’s

been covering the energy industry since 1997 and says

Canadian companies operating in the sector – and more

specifi cally from Alberta – are being recognized around

the world like never before.

“One key point is Canadian fi rms have had to deal

with the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin’s tough

formation,” Johnston says. “Between the WCSB and

big plays in the U.S., North America has been a proving

ground for the rest of the world.”

Unlocking new reserves and increasing output

from old plays with advanced technology has brought

international attention to Canada. More importantly

perhaps, this attention brings investment dollars that

allow domestic companies to continue pushing the

industry forward in new directions.

“Our business is a capital intensive business,” says Dale

Dusterhoft, CEO of Trican. “There are two ways to grow:

through cash fl ow or through investment.”

It’s no small task keeping up with investor demands

or trading company shares on the open market, but

Trican made the decision to do it back in 1996. The

Calgary-based company listed on the Toronto Stock

Exchange, raising $13.9 million. It was the start of

a restructuring and a move to expand the service

company’s reach. Starting off as a cementing company,

operations were expanded into coiled tubing. The IPO helped increase

research and development, so Trican could further expand into fracing.

The technology to service deeper and harder-to-drill wells earned Trican

a larger market share in the WCSB, and international expansion followed.

First was the Russian market in 2000 by purchasing a service company

operated by ex-patriots. Next, seven years later, Trican entered the U.S.

market by purchasing a fracing company. As well as providing an established

entry point in a market, local knowledge of a region is acquired through

the purchase. “We are strong believers in having strong local management,”

Dusterhoft says. “We don’t know Russia better than Russians and we don’t

know Texas better than Texans.”

Canadian technology is well respected and looked at as innovative,

Dusterhoft says, but it still has to be adapted to each region as geological

formations are different around the world. Local management also helps

Trican’s international operations manage equipment utilization, which

Dusterhoft says can be quite different from how it’s handled in North

America. Despite the hurdles, he insists it’s the best way to grow. “The

strategy to having lots of operations in the world is similar to having lots of

legs holding up a table,” says Dusterhoft. “Even if one is shaky, you still have

the others. There are lots of cycles and you need to ensure they are not all

down at the same time.”

“You have to be global to survive,” says Mark McNeill, President of Master

Flo Valve and Stream-Flo Industries. “You look at two years ago when the

industry crashed here and North America came to a grinding halt, we were

able to soften the blow and took advantage of doing business internationally.”

There are some global markets that are tougher to survive in – events

earlier this year in Libya and Egypt highlighted this fact – so McNeill says

it’s important to spread out international operations. “Being diversifi ed in

different markets allowed us to protect our territory,” he says.

The Edmonton-based company is a global veteran. Stream-Flo began

manufacturing swing check valves out of Alberta’s capital city in 1962. The

company was looking to expand into other regions of the world when they acquired

Master Flo, another Edmonton-based manufacturer, in 1984. The companies

continued to run independently, but when a London facility opened in 1986 both

Master Flo and Stream-Flo had a presence. Between the two companies, there are

now 14 global offices with more than 1,000 employees. The private company’s

expansion has come from self-financed acquisitions and organic growth.

“We’ve been through six or seven downturns in the oil and gas industry,

so our company is very conservative,” says McNeill. By self-fi nancing its

MADE IN CHINA BANKING

The Bank of China is expanding its presence in Canada with the opening of a branch in Calgary. It will be the bank’s third location in Canada – after Toronto and Vancouver – and a presence in Alberta from the world’s third largest bank will likely benefi t the province’s energy sector.

China is the second largest trading partner to Alberta after the U.S. and China’s three largest state-owned energy companies – CNPC, SinoPec and CNOOC – have their Canadian head offi ces in Calgary.

I THINK A LOT OF CANADIAN OPERATIONS BENEFIT FROM BEING BIG ENOUGH TO BE BEST IN CLASS, BUT NOT BIG ENOUGH TO BE A FACELESS CORPORATION – ROBERT JOHNSTON

PH

OTO

: DA

RR

EN

JA

CK

NY

SK

I

of Global Energy and Natural Resources with the Eurasia

Group.

Mark McNeill, President of Master Flo Valve and Stream-Flo Industries looks to global markets to insulate his business from economic downturn.

PSAC_Fall_2011_p10-15.indd 12 10/14/11 12:02:43 PM

Page 13: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

WWW.PSAC.CA 13

expansion, Master Flo can focus on labour and integration, rather than

responding to investor needs, like maximizing shareholder value in the

short-term. One thing McNeill does point out is that they have to look for

deals all the time. “If you do it just when the economy here is slow, you’ll

fail,” says McNeill. “Don’t forget about international operations when

business picks up at home.”

“I think a lot of Canadian operations benefi t from being big enough to be

best in class, but not big enough to be a faceless corporation,” says Johnston.

“Canadian fi rms have a reputation for offering customized solutions and

being responsive and innovative.”

Innovation will become more prevalent as companies will have to prove

that new technology is not only effective, but environmentally friendly.

As oil producers increase usage of horizontal drilling and fracing, some

environmental groups are raising concerns. These concerns have halted

fracing operations in Quebec and New York until more environmental

testing can be conducted. “Companies have to keep an eye on operational

safety and the security of people,” adds Johnston, “as well as health and the

environment.” There are lots of regions, however, that are comfortable with the

level of sustainability offered by Canadian companies. “We’re seeing Alberta

companies taking these technologies to Poland, Saudi Arabia, Australia, China,

Columbia, Argentina, South Africa and France,” says Johnston.

Perhaps the biggest opportunities are in Asia, notes Johnston, where energy

demand is growing, foreign exchange rates are favourable,

the region is primarily politically stable and the geology is

good. And, Johnston points out, it’s not just China. Japan,

Korea, Thailand and Malaysia all offer opportunities.

“Something like 25 to 30 per cent of service company

revenue is coming from international work,” says Johnston.

“It’s globalizing very quickly.” Barriers, it looks like, would be the exception

and not the rule for Canadian service companies competing in global

markets and for global dollars.

THE STRATEGY TO HAVING LOTS OF OPERATIONS IN THE WORLD IS SIMILAR TO HAVING LOTS OF LEGS HOLDING UP A TABLE. EVEN IF ONE IS SHAKY, YOU STILL HAVE THE OTHERS – DALE DUSTERHOFT

BUY IN

The fi ve biggest transactions in the oilfi eld services sector during the fi rst six months of 2011PURCHASING COMPANY ACQUISITION TRANSACTION VALUEWestern Energy Services Stoneham Drilling $237 millionClean Harbors Peak Energy Services $200 millionTuscany International Drilling Caroil S.A.S. $196 millionEssential Energy Services Technicoil $178 millionSecure Energy Services Marquis Alliance Energy Group $131 million

PURCHASING COMPANY ACQUISITION TRANSACTION VALUE

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Sou

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PSAC_Fall_2011_p10-15.indd 13 8/12/11 12:55:43 PM

Page 14: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

14 FALL 2011 PETROLEUM SERVICES NEWS

HE FUTURE’S SO BRIGHT I gotta wear shades,”

says an enthusiastic Roger Serin, Managing Director

and Head of Energy Research for TD Newcrest. Serin’s

optimistic comments opened PSAC’s 17th annual

Petroleum Services Investment Symposium held June 17 and 18 in Calgary.

He was referring to TD’s current assessment of the petroleum services sector,

and adds, “this is the most bullish TD’s been in some time.”

The audience of investors at this year’s Investment Symposium included

buy-side analysts, institutional investors, portfolio managers, diversifi ed fund

managers, industry sell-side analysts and credentialed retail brokers. They came

to hear about the service sector’s rebound from the recession and what’s behind

the strong economic recovery and healthy growth.

This growth is powered by a number of contributors, says Serin, including

increased drilling activity of deeper, longer and more complex horizontal wells;

foreign investment in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB); the

pursuit of oil due to high oil prices; and innovations in drilling and completion

technologies. Changes in Alberta’s royalty regime are also having an impact on this

growth. Most horizontal wells today are receiving royalties of fi ve per cent – a big

driver for an upsurge in activity on the horizontal side and an increase in land sale

dollars. There is also a proliferation in total land parcels and in dollars per acre.

Land sale prices are trending up and total more than $3 billion per year across B.C.,

Alberta and Saskatchewan. Large companies are buying large parcels of land at

very high costs, and as Serin notes, this is not a “mom and pop” activity; it’s “for

the big boys.”

As well, technology and new play types are impacting the shift in activity.

Serin says horizontal and directional wells now account for 75 per cent of all

wells being drilled. He attributes this to two drivers: a horizontal multi-stage

fraced well provides signifi cantly higher productivity and lower royalties, and

coupled with longer drilling, result in better royalty breaks in some cases,

so there exists a bias to drill longer wells and horizontal wells. Additionally,

western Canada offers very good shale plays and even better hybrid plays of

low permeability rock that was productive conventionally, but is much more

productive and economically viable when drilled unconventionally with

horizontal wells and multi-stage fracing.

The implementation of new technologies and innovations is an ongoing

“exercise and experiment” between the producers and service companies, says

Serin, allowing the service companies to provide value-added services to their

customers. An example is Pason Systems, an oilfi eld data solutions provider that

has developed software that’s woven into its rig system. It decodes mud pulses

using measurement while drilling (MWD) tools that previously would have

been handled by incongruent directional and MWD tools. David Holodinsky,

Pason’s General Manager for Canada, told the audience, “We think the interest

in remote drilling is going to be enhanced by people off-site having the same

information as the people on-site helping to make decisions. This may minimize

rig costs and possibly personnel costs as well.”

Canadian Energy Services and Technology (CES), another innovator,

provides drilling fl uid services to oil and natural gas producers. Tom Simons,

President and CEO of CES, explains that the company has patented a number

of drilling fl uid technologies for horizontal drilling. CES designed these

technologies for a broad range of drilling scenarios, aiming to help customers

eliminate ineffi ciencies in the drilling process and assist them in meeting

operational objectives and environmental compliance obligations. “Typical

savings for an operator when they use our drilling fl uid system containing one of

our patented products…is 30 per cent to 40 per cent,” says Simons.

In addition to new technologies and play types impacting the sector, Serin

indicates that oil sands work is also a signifi cant part of the service industry’s

business in western Canada. It is expected that oil sands work will generate more

than $15 billion in the next few years, and will be a driver of activity in Alberta and

in Canada overall. In terms of investment, Serin explains that, “As companies have

a much higher prospect inventory with the resource play focus, there is increased

strategic and economic need for new sources of capital, and capital from outside

Canada is fi lling that need and developing assets.” Last year, $10 billion in new

money was injected into the WCSB, translating to signifi cant activity.

Serin also notes the petroleum services sector is not only driven by what goes on

in western Canada – it’s also fuelled by activity outside of Canada. Today, 40 to 50

per cent of the sector’s revenue is from outside of Canada. International operations

are very important to this sector and will continue to be in the years to come.

In terms of areas service providers will need to pay attention to, it comes as

no secret the skilled labour shortage is and will continue to be an issue causing

concern. Also, health, safety and the environment (HS&E) are areas where

companies need to increasingly demonstrate strengths and should be prepared

to publicly communicate their strategies. Ultimately, petroleum service sector

companies that can offer solutions in each of these areas and have the ability to

operate outside of Canada will fare very well in the future, as oil and gas activity

grows and expands internationally.

PETROLEUM SERVICES SECTOR OFFERS HOT INVESTMENT PICKS

SpotBright

“TTRoger Serin of TD Newcrest offers reasons to be optimistic about

investing in the services sector in his Industry Overview.

PSAC_Fall_2011_p10-15.indd 14 8/12/11 12:56:27 PM

Page 15: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

WWW.PSAC.CA 15

HE PETROLEUM SERVICES Association of Canada’s

(PSAC) Education Fund just became about $50,000 richer.

The money was raised through the annual PSAC Education

Fund Golf Classic on July 21, as 136 golfers took to the

fairways at the Calgary Elks Lodge and Golf Club.

The event included a presentation to some of the 2011 Regular Member

scholarship winners: Stuart Harris, a University of Calgary engineering

student; and Tiffany Huard, a University of Calgary student studying

commerce and marketing.

Along with Stuart and Tiffany, three other students were awarded

the $1,000 PSAC Regular Member scholarships: Shivangi Nagarajan, a

University of Alberta dentistry student; Clinton Potts, a University of

Alberta engineering student; and Chelsea Ritter, a University of Alberta

engineering student.

During the tournament, the inaugural PSAC Roger Soucy Legacy

Scholarship was handed out. The $2,500 scholarship was awarded to

Morgan Holman, a Northern Lakes College power engineering student.

This Legacy Scholarship is funded by KPMG and is awarded to a post-

secondary student studying in a petroleum-related or trades-related

program who is contributing to their community.

Since its inception in 2001, the PSAC Education Fund has awarded

more than $175,000 in scholarships and grants to students.

More information on the PSAC Education Fund can be found at

www.psac.ca/community/education-fund.

PSAC GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES THOUSANDS FOR STUDENTS

Fore!T PSAC EDUCATION FUND GOLF CLASSIC

MAJOR SPONSORSATB Corporate Financial ServicesCalfrac Well Services Ltd.Derrick ExhibitJuneWarren-Nickle’s Energy GroupImport Tool Corp. Ltd.KPMGNational Oilwell VarcoProbity Capital Advisors Inc.Smith Bits, a Schlumberger CompanySterling Western Star Trucks Alberta Ltd.Stream-Flo Industries Ltd.Tenaris Global Services CanadaUnicom GraphicsWeatherford Canada Partnership

HOLE SPONSORS ARC Financial CorporationCEDA International Corp.Cole GroupCMA AlbertaComplyWorks Ltd.Halliburton Group CanadaPajak Engineering Ltd.Sanjel Corporation

Spira DataTrojan Safety Services

GREEN SPONSORS Canamara United SupplyCanaccord Genuity Inc.Doran Stewart Oilfi eld ServicesDYNAenergetics Canada Inc.Ensign Opsco Energy IndustriesGuardian, A ShawCor CompanyRBC Royal Bank of CanadaStrike Energy Services Inc.Topco Oilsite Products Ltd.

EDUCATION FUND DONORS AND SUPPORTERSCalgary Elks Lodge and Golf ClubCommunity Natural FoodsCrowfoot LiquorHyatt Regency CalgaryJanet Horbacio PhotographyKetek Group Inc.Promore, a Division of Core LaboratoriesTesla Exploration Ltd.The Westin Calgary

Roger Soucy presents the PSAC Roger Soucy Legacy Scholarship funded by KPMG to Northern Lakes College student Morgan Holman of Slave Lake, Alberta.

L-R: Gary Kirkpatrick of Prodrill Fluid Technologies; Stuart Wyman of Canamara United Supply; PSAC Board Chair Brian Coston of Canamara United Supply and Gerry Leis of Advantage Mud.

Tiffany Huard and Stuart Harris, two of five 2011 PSAC Regular Member scholarship recipients, are awarded their scholarship cheques by Education Fund Committee Chair Travis Strube.

PSAC_Fall_2011_p10-15.indd 15 8/17/11 3:32:53 PM

Page 16: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

16 FALL 2011 PETROLEUM SERVICES NEWS

Let’s Make a Deal

TBOARDROOM DEALS ARE RAMPING UP, BUT PLENTY OF PREPARATION IS REQUIRED BEFORE SIGNING ON THE DOTTED LINE

o buy or sell? This is the question

that is returning to the minds of oil

and gas services sector owners. With

horizontal wells being drilled deeper and more

fracing stages boosting production, more hours are

being spent on each well. Companies will look to

add more iron and more people to their operations

to take advantage of the increased activity, and

acquisitions provide an immediate boost.

KPMG Corporate Finance recently released

its 2011 energy services update and while the

level of transactions might not reach 2007’s

high, where nearly 100 companies changed

hands, this year has already been busier than

the previous three. The global audit, tax and

advisory fi rm predicts that between May 2011

and May 2012 about 45 transactions will close,

compared to only 24 deals done in the 12

months before.

More capital is available to fi nance these

deals and the more money a company needs,

the easier it is to get fi nancing. “At $1 million,

there are not many institutional based funds

that look at it, but at $25 million, there are

numerous institutions that will do that deal,”

says Rhys Renouf, Senior Vice President and

Director of KPMG Corporate Finance in

Calgary. “Also, if I’m selling, it’s good because

the fundamentals of the services sector are

strong.”

The economics are favourable and so are the

demographics. “The fi rst baby boomers turn

65 in 2011,” says Trevor Conway, Managing

Partner and Director of Probity Capital

Advisors. “Twelve thousand Americans and

1,300 Canadians will turn 65 every day for the

next 15 to 20 years. Lots of private businesses

will be changing hands.”

Whether acquiring a company or planning to be acquired, the

preparation needed to get to the negotiation stage is similar. The best

time to start preparing is the day the business is launched, but just in case

foresight isn’t an area of expertise, here are a handful of areas to focus on.

BACK UPMany entrepreneurs are driven, which helps get a business off the ground. After

that, a company that runs solely on the strength of the owner’s relationships

will make a transition to new ownership more diffi cult. “A business that is 100

per cent dependent on the owner/operator is a diffi cult business to sell, if it can

be sold at all,” says Conway. “It’s someone’s worst nightmare when they write a

cheque and the next day all the employees and customers leave.”

To prevent this scenario, a solid management team should be

assembled. A company tied to their business and not to their owner

will have a greater chance of succeeding during a change of ownership.

“Having a second tier of managers who are ready to run the business after

its sold is very advantageous in maximizing value,” says Renouf.

CLEAN UPIt’s a good business practice to keep paperwork organized and up-to-date.

If these are the kinds of tasks that get pushed to the backburner during

daily operations, it will be a bigger job getting everything in order pre-sale.

This includes making sure all licences and permits are in order, policy and

procedure manuals are updated, and trademark, copyright, patents and

intellectual property contracts are in place. Business restructuring could also

be arranged to maximize one-time capital gains, suggests Renouf, including

transferring land to a separate holding company. “Sometimes owners of

private companies have personal assets in the business,” Renouf says. “These

should be stripped out to make the balance sheet clean.”

BY STEVE MACLEOD

BUSINESS MATTERS

PSAC_Fall_2011_p16-19.indd 16 8/12/11 12:57:28 PM

Page 17: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

WWW.PSAC.CA 17

TO DO LISTROUND UPA company might be competition in the fi eld, but business advisors like to call

them “strategic buyers.”

“Businesses are worth more to some people than others,” says Conway. “To

strategic buyers in the same sector, it could be worth more.” Having unique

processes, proprietary technology, intellectual property or a good chunk of the

market share is a good way to attract offers – and the more the merrier.

“The best way to maximize value is to create a competitive process,

marketing the company to several different buyers,” Conway adds. “Then

you’ll see what the company is worth and not what someone thinks they

can get away with. If there are four buyers, leverage is on your side and

value is correlated to leverage.”

WIND DOWNAfter spending a lifetime building a business, the decision to sell is not easy.

Staying on during the transition period might ease the shift to a new stage

of life. “Very few owners show up at closing, pick up a cheque and never look

back,” says Conway. “There’s a lot of second guessing, but at the end of the day

it’s really about planning your exit and preparing for the next stage.”

The sooner, the better.

Here are a few other items Probity Capital’s Trevor Conway suggests looking after when preparing a business for sale

Review and consider tax implications of alternative • deal structuresUpdate minute books and corporate records• Update the corporate website• Ensure all material contracts are in order and easily accessible• Document and justify all research and development projects• Ensure compliance with occupational health and • safety standardsAvoid or settle outstanding litigation• Make facilities clean and presentable• Ensure equipment is in good working order• Put in place reporting systems to track key • performance indicators

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PSAC_Fall_2011_p16-19.indd 17 8/12/11 12:57:35 PM

Page 18: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

18 FALL 2011 PETROLEUM SERVICES NEWS

PSAC IN ACTION

PSAC ATTENDS SPECIAL ROUNDTABLE ON CANADA/U.S. ENERGY REGULATORY COOPERATIONAt the invitation of the Energy Council of Canada, the World Energy

Council and the United States Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson,

PSAC attended the Special Roundtable on Canada/U.S. Energy

Cooperation held in June in Calgary. This initiative is part of the

Regulatory Cooperation Council announced by Prime Minister Stephen

Harper and President Barack Obama on February 4. The roundtable

discussion focused upon the competitive impacts of existing regulatory

differences in the energy sector, lessons from past efforts in support

of regulatory harmonization and a potential path forward for our

integrated industries. PSAC participated in the discussion about the

regulatory realities that complicate oil and gas trade across our borders.

Expected outcomes of the roundtable will be a compilation of actionable

impediments to trade in the oil and gas sector.

PSAC CONTINUES TO PARTICIPATE IN ALBERTA’S REGULATORY ENHANCEMENT PROJECTPSAC attended a workshop in June held by the Alberta Department of

Energy to further the recommendations of the provincial Regulatory

Enhancement Project. Recommendations of the project were published

in a December 31, 2010 report titled, “Enhancing Assurance.” The

June workshop included participation by Alberta Energy’s Deputy

Minister Peter Watson and Parliamentary Assistant Diana McQueen,

as participants discussed ways and means to ensure the new system

addresses all the issues and meets the goals of a single and integrated

energy resource regulator.

PSAC MEETS WITH ALBERTA’S NEXT PREMIERThrough the summer months, PSAC staff and board members held

meetings with Alberta’s Progressive Conservative Party leadership

candidates to initiate discussions and put a spotlight on the issues

of importance to the petroleum services sector. PSAC provided

an overview of the oilfi eld services industry including the sector’s

economic, technological and social contributions. PSAC also discussed

the pressing issues facing its members, including current labour

issues, the elimination of the TEFU/PROP rebates and the emerging

discussions related to a Canadian energy strategy. PSAC’s goal is to

ensure that Alberta’s incoming premier has a fulsome understanding of

the challenges, opportunities and impacts of the sector on the province

and on the rest of Canada.

SAIT MACPHAIL SCHOOL OF ENERGY AND EDUCATION ROUNDTABLE EVENTPSAC participated in a half-day roundtable session with producers,

government offi cials and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

(SAIT) representatives along with the Dean of SAIT’s MacPhail School

of Energy in Calgary to discuss the role that education can play in

meeting the workforce development needs of the energy industry, and

recognizing the current and growing skilled labour shortage. SAIT

plans to collaborate with industry members to fi nd solutions to meet

industry’s current and future workforce needs.

PSAC CONTINUES TO KEEP THE SERVICES SECTOR FRONT AND CENTRE THROUGH ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH

PSAC MEETS WITH U.S. CONSUL GENERALPSAC met with U.S. Consul General Laura Lochman in June to discuss

the growing skilled labour shortage for oilfi eld service companies and

to explore avenues for collaboration on easing cross-border labour

mobility issues. The U.S. is keen to work with Canada in response to the

need for skilled labour as this will assist the country in addressing their

high unemployment. Further discussions are planned and updates will

be provided.

PSAC ATTENDS PEACE REGION AND SASKATCHEWAN OIL SHOWSPSAC attended the bi-annual Peace Region Oil Show on May 17 and

18 in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and met with PSAC members and other

industry stakeholders. This provided PSAC with the opportunity to

discuss current issues of concern and to help support the voice of

members in the Peace Region.

PSAC also attended the bi-annual Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show

on June 1 and 2 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, with the goal of connecting

with members in the Saskatchewan region. In addition to very good

attendance at their Community Partners launch, PSAC enjoyed a huge

turnout at their bi-annual Barnstorming Breakfast on June 2 as part of

the oil show’s activities. Members, sponsors and other show attendees

arrived at the early morning breakfast to enjoy a hot meal, the talents

of local entertainers and many prizes. Special thanks to Ray Frehlick of

Prairie Mud Service and sponsors Calfrac Well Services, Canalta Hotels,

Derrick Exhibit, Firemaster Oilfi eld Services, HSE Integrated, Probity

Capital Advisors, Smith Bits, United Centrifuge and JuneWarren-

Nickle’s Energy Group.

PSAC ATTENDS ENERGY AND MINES MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE FOCUSING ON A CANADIAN ENERGY STRATEGYIn July, PSAC attended the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference

held in Kananaskis, Alberta, hosted by Alberta Energy Minister Ron

Liepert. Ministers from across Canada, including the Hon. Joe Oliver,

the new federal Minister of Natural Resources, came together to discuss

and map a framework to guide the development of a Canadian energy

strategy. PSAC had the opportunity to have one-on-one discussions

with government representatives and to provide highlights of the

economic impact and contributions of Canada’s upstream petroleum

services sector, outlining the important elements that will make a

collective energy strategy workable for PSAC member companies. PSAC

also made contact with Oliver’s Chief of Staff who agreed to arrange a

future meeting for PSAC with the federal minister. PSAC plans to attend

next year’s ministers’ conference to continue our active engagement in

this important initiative.

PSAC President Mark Salkeld welcomes guests to the PSAC Barnstorming Breakfast at the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show.

PSAC_Fall_2011_p16-19.indd 18 8/12/11 12:57:47 PM

Page 19: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

WWW.PSAC.CA 19

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Page 20: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

20 FALL 2011 PETROLEUM SERVICES NEWS

mporting supplies for the oil and gas

industry has its challenges.

Bri-Chem Steel Corp. has been

wholesaling steel pipe in the oil

and gas industry since 2003. The

Edmonton-based company knows fi rst-hand

that not only does it take time for product to

make its way across the Pacifi c Ocean, there

are the risks of lost, stolen and damaged loads.

And, regulatory red tape rarely expedites

the process. Rather than continuing to wade

through international anti-dumping laws

by importing steel pipe from China, the

subsidiary of Bri-Chem Corp. decided to take

matters into their own hands.

Pipe Dreams

I

MEMBER PROFILE

“Some of these mills became very diffi cult to operate in their country,”

says Don Caron, CEO of Bri-Chem. “One of the things we talked about

was, does it make sense to talk to one of our manufacturer’s owners and

see if they’re interested in crating up their entire mill, putting it on a boat

and shipping it over here, and we could set it up for them in Canada?”

It made sense to Wuxi Huayou Special Steel Co. Strict anti-dumping

laws in China and North America were making it diffi cult for the Chinese

company to export their steel pipe. Anti-dumping laws basically prevent

a company from exporting a product at a lower price than they would

charge in their domestic market. Most countries enact this trade measure

to protect their home grown industries. In Canada, more than one-third

of anti-dumping measures in place deal with Asian countries and about

two-thirds of those measures regard metal products.

Neil Rasmussen, President of Bri-Chem Steel, says that Chinese

manufacturers have been basically blocked out of the U.S. market due

to anti-dumping laws. Since the U.S. is one of China’s most important

export markets, many companies are moving their factories out of China

in an attempt to avoid dumping issues.

Some of those companies even tried moving their operations to North

America, but with little success, says Rasmussen. He relates this to the

differences in business culture between China and North America. As a

result, when Bri-Chem Steel approached Wuxi Huayou, Rasmussen says the

Chinese company was instantly intrigued because they would gain a partner

familiar with the North American market and avoid anti-dumping issues.

Negotiations for the partnership began in June 2010. Wuxi Huayou

packed a manufacturing facility into crates and put it on a freighter to

Canada. Just over one year – and about 14,000 kilometers – later, the

mill began production of steel pipe from its new home in Edmonton in

mid-July.

While jumping into a new line of business comes with a whole new

set of risks, the partnership between Bri-Chem Steel and Wuxi Huayou

is designed to ease the burden for both parties. With a 70 per cent stake

in the operation, Bri-Chem Steel will provide working capital and

initial inventory, while Wuxi Huayou will contribute the equipment,

installation, training and engineering.

The mill’s output will mostly consist of large diameter pipe – in the 24

to 36 inch range – for use as pipeline tie-ins at refi neries or water piping.

The plant, however, is small compared to an average steel mill. Bri-Chem

Steel’s micro-mill has capacity for just 24,000 to 30,000 tons annually.

Despite its small size, Caron likes the versatility of the micro-mill. The

mill can change the size of the pipe it manufactures in about two hours

and small orders, such as 300 feet of 26 inch pipe, are economically viable.

“We can supply a greater variation of products in a faster period,” says

Caron. And Bri-Chem Steel won’t have to import the steel pipe from across the

ocean to sell it.

INSTEAD OF CONTINUING TO SOURCE STEEL PIPE FROM ASIA, BRI-CHEM STEEL HAS BECOME THE SOURCE

BY LUKE MUISE

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000PSN.DMG_1-4V.indd 1 8/4/11 11:22:15 AM

PSAC_Fall_2011_p20-24.indd 20 8/17/11 3:33:38 PM

Page 21: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

WWW.PSAC.CA 21

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1:30 pm – 2:10 pm – PSAC Annual General MeetingCelebrating 30 Years (for PSAC Members only)

2:30 pm – 4:30 pm – 2012 Drilling Activity Forecast & Industry Outlook - Hear an overview of PSAC’s drilling activity forecast for 2012 plus hear from both analysts and experts including the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers about the issues and opportunities for your business in the year ahead.

6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Industry Insights Dinner Keynote Speaker – Robert Johnston, Director, Global Energy and Natural Resources, Eurasia Group - Robert (“RJ”) Johnston is the director of Eurasia Group’s Global Energy & Natural Resources practice, specializing in oil, gas, power generation, metals and agricultural research. He will be speaking to the current issues, challenges, risks and opportunities across domestic and foreign markets for Canada’s oil and gas industry.

Sponsored by

November 3, 2011, TELUS Convention Centre Calgary, Alberta

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PSAC_Fall_2011_p20-24.indd 21 8/12/11 12:58:33 PM

Page 22: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

22 FALL 2011 PETROLEUM SERVICES NEWS

I

StandUNITED WE

United Centrifuge employees accept the company’s 2010 Weybex Award, including from left to right, Tim Bowers, Operations Manager; Dan Richards, Shop Manager; Cherisse Warburton, Offi ce Administrator; Wayne Ebel, General Manager; and Damon Warawa, Shop/Field Technician.

N 1998, the Weyburn Young Fellows got their

southeastern Saskatchewan city to set aside land so

they could build an outdoor park for the community.

The Don Mitchell Paddling Pool emerged, which also

features a playground, green space and spray park. After the

Young Fellows fi nished construction, the city was responsible

for operations and maintenance.

A few years ago, with budget constraints squeezing Weyburn, city

council was unable to pay for a lifeguard to monitor the site and they

were forced to decide between charging admission or closing the park.

“I told them, I’d pay for the lifeguard, but you better have one out

there tomorrow,” says Wayne Ebel, President of United Centrifuge.

It wasn’t the fi rst charity act for Ebel and it certainly won’t be

the last, but that doesn’t mean he’s comfortable talking about it.

Since he’s not “a limelight guy,” Ebel doesn’t brag about winning

the 2010 Weybex Award for Community Involvement (given

by the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce) or the community

initiatives that led to United Centrifuge’s recognition.

“It was a great honour and I’m happy they recognized what

we do, but that’s not our motivation,” he says. “I’m very proud

of our employees because it’s easy to give away money when

times are good, but by being involved and cooking burgers and

putting down sandbags, it’s their award not mine.”

The oilfi eld equipment rental company chips in to benefi t a

number of local organizations, including minor soccer, baseball

and hockey leagues; the Weyburn Rodeo and Weyburn High

School Rodeo; the Weyburn Young Fellows; the Weyburn

Beavers; the local 4-H Club; the Weyburn Legion branch; and

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Weyburn.

“We think it’s important to give to these local projects

because we believe all kids should be involved,” Ebel says.

“There are so many young people in town now and we have to

keep them busy. By us showing involvement and working with

others, it mentors them to do the same for somebody else.”

COMMUNITY MATTERS

OUTSIDE OF URBAN CENTRES, COMPANIES LIKE UNITED CENTRIFUGE HELP COMMUNITIES THRIVE

BY STEVE MACLEOD

FOR MORE INFORMATION:www.rogersoilandgas.ca1 877 336 1333

CANADA’S RELIABLE NETWORK

TMRogers and the Mobius design are trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc. used under license or an affiliate. All other brand names are trademarks of their respective owners. ©2011 Rogers Communications.

Rogers has the industry’s latest productivity tools for the oil and gas industryto keep you connected to your customers, suppliers and to one another.

Your people: SafeYour job site: SecureYour operations costs: Streamlined

Expanded network coverage across Alberta– You’re covered in the field and office.

Minimize fuel, repair and insurancecosts – Fleet Management

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Increase data collection accuracy andreduce human error – Well Metering

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000PSN.Rogers_FP.indd 1 7/26/11 1:42:42 PMPSAC_Fall_2011_p20-24.indd 22 8/12/11 12:58:48 PM

Page 23: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

FOR MORE INFORMATION:www.rogersoilandgas.ca1 877 336 1333

CANADA’S RELIABLE NETWORK

TMRogers and the Mobius design are trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc. used under license or an affiliate. All other brand names are trademarks of their respective owners. ©2011 Rogers Communications.

Rogers has the industry’s latest productivity tools for the oil and gas industryto keep you connected to your customers, suppliers and to one another.

Your people: SafeYour job site: SecureYour operations costs: Streamlined

Expanded network coverage across Alberta– You’re covered in the field and office.

Minimize fuel, repair and insurancecosts – Fleet Management

Prevent injury to field workers and increaseworker safety – GPS Lone Worker tools

Protect critical data and ensure uninterruptednetwork access – Critical Network Access

Increase data collection accuracy andreduce human error – Well Metering

Prevent theft and secure your jobsites – Security & Asset Management

000PSN.Rogers_FP.indd 1 7/26/11 1:42:42 PMPSAC_Fall_2011_p20-24.indd 23 8/12/11 12:59:00 PM

Page 24: Petroleum Services Association of Canada News Fall 2011

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