Brimmond diversifies from oil with Italian crane partnership

Aberdeenshire engineering firm Brimmond has entered into an exclusive partnership with Italian hydraulic crane manufacturer Amco Veba. The agreement is designed to broaden the Kintore-based company’s lifting capabilities by expanding its portfolio of fully foldable knuckle boom marine cranes. This strategic move supports the business’s ongoing efforts to reduce its historical reliance on the oil and gas sector, which previously accounted for nearly all of its revenue.

The expansion aims to improve service delivery for clients operating within the aquaculture and marine industries. Paul Dingwall, technical sales manager for marine cranes at Brimmond, stated that the collaboration enables the firm to offer a wider selection of equipment while preserving the engineering support standards expected by customers. He emphasised that Brimmond provides comprehensive assistance throughout the equipment lifecycle, covering specification, installation, commissioning, servicing, and ongoing load testing.

The shift in focus comes as Brimmond’s revenue derived from oil and gas has fallen to 47 per cent. The company attributes this decline to UK fiscal policy, specifically citing uncertainty surrounding taxation and North Sea licensing. Managing director Tom Murdoch previously highlighted the challenging climate for businesses in north-east Scotland, calling for an end to the energy profits levy. He noted that the tax impact has accelerated the reduction in oil and gas revenue share, a sector that traditionally offered better margins.

In addition to this European partnership, Brimmond expanded its international footprint last year by establishing a presence in the Middle East through a Dubai-based subsidiary. This venture was formed in conjunction with Proserv, combining Brimmond’s engineering expertise with Proserv’s regional network to provide enhanced support and services to customers in that market.