Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
December 18, 2009

St. John�s Engineering Firm to Secure Competitive Edge

St. John�s-based engineering firm Maderra Engineering Inc. is taking important steps to apply globally knowledge developed in one of the world�s harshest offshore environments. By securing ISO 9001 certification and building awareness of its brand, the company is seeking to gain a competitive edge in an extremely competitive oil and gas industry.

�Maderra Engineering is an example of a local company that has benefited from the growth of Newfoundland and Labrador�s offshore industries,� said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. �By working on such projects as the Hibernia, White Rose and Terra Nova developments, Maderra and its founders have secured valuable expertise and knowledge that can be exported to markets across the globe. ISO 9001 certification will help provide the company with a competitive advantage when targeting new contract opportunities abroad.�

Made possible with a $25,000 investment from the Provincial Government, ISO certification is an international standard that defines minimum requirements for a company�s quality management system and includes procedures ensuring customer requirements are met with consistency.

�Maderra Engineering Inc. was formed as an employee-owned company by local engineers to leverage the talent gained through experience in the Newfoundland and Labrador oil and gas industry,� said David Hurley, Business Development Manager, Maderra. �The Newfoundland and Labrador offshore facilities are some of the most advanced in the world and it is the knowledge and experience gained on these projects and facilities that Maderra is positioning itself to export.�

In addition to earning its certification, the company is targeting initiatives focused on increasing awareness of the Maderra brand. Over the coming months, it will enhance its online presence and participate in such industry-leading conferences as the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston and Offshore Europe in Norway.

�Our programming is in place to support local enterprises like Maderra Engineering � companies with highly-skilled individuals with growing international demand,� said Minister Skinner. �This government is a committed partner to ensuring that the local business community has access to the necessary tools and resources to maximize their competitiveness and achieve their objectives.�

Maderra Engineering provides engineering services in instrumentation, controls, electrical, piping, and mechanical disciplines. Locally, Maderra and its employee-owners have been involved with such projects and companies as Hibernia, Terra Nova, White Rose, Marystown Shipyard, and North Atlantic Refining, while their international experience includes projects in Africa, Australia, Brazil, Korea, Malaysia, Scotland, the United States, and Vietnam.

This initiative was funded through the Business and Market Development Program (BMDP), which through Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation has $1 million available to help local businesses acquire the necessary expertise to pursue new business ideas and markets.

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2009 12 18                                11:25 a.m.