Report Volume XXI, Number 23, August 1st, 2010

INDUSTRY NEWS (Mayville, WI) – Amy Schmid, Erv Schmid and Mike Maslowski have sold Schmid Pipeline Construction, Inc. to owner Todd Schmid’s longtime associate, Joseph Brandenburg. While it was Todd’s goal to continue to build the business, his untimely death lead to the ultimate sale of the company.

Todd started Schmid Pipeline Construction Inc. in Mayville in 1994. Schmid Pipeline Construction Inc. utilizes the latest technology and the most advanced equipment to perform its work in the specialty areas of stations, launchers and receivers, integrity work, hydrostatic testing and mainline oil & natural gas pipeline construction.

While Amy, Erv and Mike have stepped down from their positions, the business will continue its operations as Schmid Pipeline Construction Inc. at 850 Mallard Drive, Mayville, with the same professional and staff.”Amy, Mike and I wish the Brandenburg’s all of the best as they continue to grow Schmid Pipeline Construction Inc. into the company they know it can and will be,” said Erv Schmid.

INDUSTRY NEWS (Houston, TX) – CRC-Evans has integrated CMT (cold metal transfer) technology with their P450 automatic welding machine, creating new parameters of quality and speed for work on small-diameter pipe. This exclusive equipment offers advanced capabilities that make a significant difference in productivity for offshore projects.

CRC-Evan’s CMT robotic technology controls all functions digitally with advanced software that instantly processes welding data. Equipped with continuous digital feedback, CMT boosts response time for the power supply and executes precise control of the AC servo wire feed motor. 5G and 2G root bead passes are completed rapidly and perfectly. No copper backup clamp is required.

“This technology is game-changing for small-diameter offshore and spoolbase pipeline operations,” said Paul DeWeese, president of CRC-Evans Automatic Welding. “Once contractors learn about it and use it, they’re sold.”

CRC-Evans Automatic Welding designs and builds the world’s most widely used automatic welding system for land and offshore pipeline construction. In addition to renting or selling these systems to contractors on a project basis, the division provides other specialized services such as engineering, on-site technicians and training. The company is a subsidiary of CRC-Evans Pipeline International, a leading provider of specialized equipment and services for the construction of pipelines.

CRC-Evans manufactures pipeline construction equipment and automatic welding systems, and provides managed subsea services, field joint coating, weighting, heat treatment, and inspection services. Based in Houston, CRC-Evans maintains offices in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

INDUSTRY NEWS (Treasure Island, FL) – Helicopter Pipeline Support is a division of The Wilbur Group, a Florida based company, which provides nationwide service.

The Wilbur Group has over 15 years experience in low altitude flying and landing on project sites with a variety of helicopters available to choose from. They develop their program around a project’s specific requirements. The Wilbur Group is fully prepared to handle all aspects of a project’s helicopter services by opening a base at the pipeline construction site and providing a dedicated helicopter and pilot for the duration of the project. Their pilots have many years of experience in flying with safety being the highest priority. Helicopters and pilots are available seven days a week. In addition administrative assistance, flight dispatch and flight following are available 24 hours a day seven days a week to respond to all client needs. A back up helicopter is provided should the helicopter dedicated to a project require unscheduled maintenance, allowing uninterrupted helicopter flying support. Meticulous records are kept by The Wilbur Group, such as detailed trip manifest documenting spreads viewed, companies flown and passengers aboard. Weekly recap and monthly summaries are provided as well, giving clients more time to focus on the execution of the project at hand. The Wilbur Group also has the ability to provide High Definition video. They can capture the entire pipeline, heavy equipment, weekly/monthly video for progress updates and problem areas. A Gyro Stabilized High Definition camera system is used, which has the same clarity that is experienced watching aerial shots of sporting events (i.e. car races, off shore races, football games.) This permits clients the opportunity to record information regarding the pipeline progress, equipment utilized and right of way issues for project records. All video is confidential and is the sole property of the pipeline company.

This special division of The Wilbur Group was created in response to the growing demands of the gas and oil pipeline industry. The president of The Wilbur Group, Gary Wilbur, is a commercial helicopter pilot with 17 years experience flying in many types of environments and missions including pipeline right of ways. This knowledge of the industry is invaluable in providing the right helicopter for a project. The Wilbur Group understands how to support a pipeline project and provide exactly what is required to ensure that it is completed efficiently.