Difficult market conditions have not deterred Unique Group from continuing to expand and strengthen its operations.

“The ambition continues and Unique Group has no intention of standing still,” said its CEO Harry Gandhi.

“In the field of oil and gas survey, exploration and oil recovery, conditions are challenging but it is crucial that the industry does not stand still and that we are all prepared for recovery when it comes.”

With roots stretching back to 1993 when Gandhi formed Unique Group, the company has grown steadily to achieve a major presence in the oil and gas sector across the globe. In June 2015, it restated its confidence in continued growth by announcing plans to double its global subsea and offshore business through new markets and acquisitions.

Building on the credentials of the Unique Group’s name and heritage, the company restructured its specialist services into five distinct divisions – Survey Equipment; Marine and Subsea; Buoyancy and Ballast; Diving Equipment; On-site Engineering. With the addition of new senior hires as country and sector heads to oversee growth in key areas, the stage was set for strategic expansion.

True to its aspirations, Unique Group was quick to act, according to Gandhi. By October 2015, the first major deal was signed with the acquisition of Oceanwide Safety at Sea, joining together two global leaders in the diving industry. Oceanwide is market leading in the design, construction and maintenance of self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboats and, with renewed capital investment, the merged company has the capacity to invest in research, development and continued innovation.

A month later, a significant addition to the Unique Group portfolio was made in the form of GSE Rentals, a rental specialist of high-quality geophysical, hydrographic and oceanographic marine survey equipment. This acquisition enhanced Unique Group’s existing survey rental experience, strengthening its presence beyond oil and gas markets and into offshore renewable energy projects, submarine cables, dredging, ports and harbours and civil contracts.
 

Gandhi: staying competitive and sustainable

As 2015 drew to a close, the company continued its path of expansion with its first move into Saudi Arabia, strengthening its presence in the Middle East with two new facilities, one in Riyadh and the other in Dammam.  This investment was made in response to customer demand for products and support services to be provided locally and together the facilities have the capacity to offer the full range of services offered through Unique Group’s five divisions. Crucially, skilled engineering roles are being created, some of which will be filled by a local workforce in line with the kingdom’s aspirations for increased employment opportunities.

Intent on diversification and finding new routes to market, Unique Group has recently announced its plan to expand its expertise in hyperbaric chambers into healthcare. Typically used for divers, intense oxygen therapy is increasingly used in treating a range of medical conditions, including non-healing wounds and crushing injuries. From its base in Rotterdam, the company can supply these specialist chambers to medical centres and hospitals that are investing in bespoke hyperbaric treatment. 

The company has proved it is a force in its area of specialisation. As a result, Gandhi, a holder of the international Golden Helm Award, was further recognised by being named among the Top 50 leading individuals in the offshore support vessel industry.

NO LOOKING BACK

“We firmly believe in finding new ways to remain competitive and sustainable, and we will do that through acquiring new partners for our portfolio, continuing to innovate and building a company that attracts the best talent because it offers great career opportunities. At the forefront of everything we do is a solid understanding of our customers’ current requirements and a structure that is flexible enough to respond to future opportunities,” Gandhi said.

“Looking to that future, Unique Group is continuing to keep a watchful eye on new geographies and new sectors where it can establish or reinforce its offering.  With over 200 engineering specialists working across six global regions and a streamlined, multi-disciplinary offering, there is no doubt that this is a company to watch and the best is yet to come,” a group statement says.