An Aberdeen robotics company is growing its team after record year which saw it double turnover to £2million.
High Performance Robotics (HPR) has been driving down the cost of subsea inspection, intervention and repair with its growing capability. Advances in miniaturised sensor and robotics technology has allowed the firm to provide services that previously required heavy and higher cost equipment.
As it continues to expand its customer base across both offshore wind, power and oil and gas, the firm has recruited Ross Latham as its new Operations Manager.
Ross previously worked at HPR between 2012 and 2020 and returns to the firm from Film-Ocean, where he played a key role in operational delivery and client engagement.
With extensive experience in the subsea industry, Ross brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to HPR. His appointment is set to strengthen the company's operational capabilities and support its continued growth in the energy and marine sectors.
Commenting on his return, Ross said: "I am delighted to rejoin HPR at such an exciting time. The company's reputation for excellence in subsea operations is well known, and I look forward to contributing to its ongoing success. Advances in technology allow HPR to make a big impact in subsea work that was not possible five years ago. "
Kerina Cruickshank has also been added to the team in a project support role, and the new hires follow a transformative year for HPR, which is led by former Scotland international cricketer Jan Stander.
Kerina Cruickshank, Jan Stander and Ross Latham
Following investment from Ventex – the Aberdeen-base climate tech venture studio – HPR has rebranded, expanded its fleet and moved into the Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone.
As a result, the company, best-known for its work with clients such as Shell, Wood and EnQuest, is now making its mark in offshore wind by supporting the delivery of Dogger Bank, which will power six million homes.
HPR’s robots delivered live footage of the intricate operation to land subsea power cables connecting the vast project to shore through tunnels drilled under the beach.
Jan Stander said: “We are thrilled to welcome Ross back to the team. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand our service offerings and support our clients with cutting-edge subsea solutions.
“Kerina will also help support the growing number of projects we are involved in, as industry becomes more aware of the vast benefits miniaturised robotics can bring.
“With strategic investments in our fleet and the transformative effects of deploying new miniaturised technology, such as 360 and stereoscopic cameras, we are able to create point cloud datasets and virtual environments, as well as carry out subsea cutting and sampling, saving millions of pounds for clients in inspection and intervention campaigns.”
Ventex launched in Aberdeen this summer, and HPR is one of three businesses already in the studio’s portfolio, alongside harsh environment manufacturer Rovtech and decommissioning-focused artificial intelligence firm Rahd AI, which is headquartered in Perth, Australia.
Ventex founders Stuart McLeod and Steve Gray both have a track record of success in building global businesses. Steve was the founder and former chief executive of ROVOP, now a leading global player in the ROV rental market, recently sold to Chouest. Stuart led oil and gas completions and commissioning technology specialist QEDI through to its £33 million acquisition by Amec plc.
The pair have recently added former KPMG and PwC dealmaker Rob Aitken to the Ventex leadership team as they seek to repurpose the supply chain to seize green energy opportunities.