Houston, Texas - As the search for new sources of oil and energy continues, the University of Houston’s College of Technology and U.S. Rep. John Culberson have identified a company that is leading the way in assisting the offshore drilling industry in this effort.
Recently, College of Technology’s Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center Gulf Coast (TMACGC) presented the "Excellence in Manufacturing Award" by Culberson to Oceaneering, Inc. Following consultation from TMACGC, Oceaneering recently gained further insight into efficient manufacturing solutions using the 5S Kaizen method. This management system is focused on continuous improvement in quality, technology, processes, company culture, productivity, safety and leadership.
"We firmly believe that our 5S Kaizen strategies have helped Oceaneering standardize and sustain quality while reducing waste," said David Walker, director of TMACGC. TMACGC at UH is one of the partner institutions comprising the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC), which is an affiliate of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
"The College of Technology, with the support of the NIST, operates TMACGC as an extension center to provide technical and training support to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing," said William Fitzgibbon, Dean of the College of Technology.
Oceaneering President and CEO, Jay Collins, presented the delegation with a company overview and gave a tour of their facilities. "If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done," said Collins, "Sometimes more than once." This appears to be the approach Oceaneering takes when they create more unique and innovative products to service offshore oil and gas exploration and production.
"America needs to bring all of its domestic resources online to increase production and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources," Culberson said. "Businesses like Oceaneering are boosting the American energy supply by increasing efficiency and productivity on our offshore sites."
About TMAC
The Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) works with manufactures, business leaders, and educators to improve their competitiveness by identifying opportunities and implementing appropriate solutions. TMAC's provides objective, credible expertise to solve today’s challenges with the bottom line of Texas industries in mind. TMAC delivers training, provides technical assistance and implements best business practices in lean manufacturing and lean office principles, technology solutions, strategic management, quality systems, environment and safety. TMAC is an affiliate of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
About U.S. Congressman John Culberson
John A. Culberson was elected to represent the Seventh District on November 7, 2000. He won an eight candidate Republican primary and a runoff before winning the general election. Prior to his election, he was a seven-term member of the Texas House of Representatives. During his last term he served as the Republican Whip in the Texas House working to build support for Governor Bush’s legislative agenda. He was reelected to represent the Seventh District in 2002, 2004, and 2006.
About Oceaneering, Inc.
Oceaneering Inc. is a global oilfield provider of engineered services and products primarily to the offshore oil and gas industry, with a focus on deepwater applications. Through the use of its applied technology expertise, Oceaneering also serves the defense and aerospace industries. For more information, visit oceaneering.com.