Merlin ERD targets the Americas with the appointment of Luis Gonzalez
Merlin ERD, a Perth-based consultancy and services business, provides engineering, training and operations support to companies drilling the world’s most complex wells. Targeting growth through geographic expansion, Merlin has welcomed Luis Gonzalez into its team. Luis joins Merlin as Engineering Manager, Western Hemisphere and, supported by Merlin’s core team in the UK, he will focus on the development and delivery of Merlin’s industry-leading services for complex well delivery in the Americas.
Residing in Houston, Luis joins Merlin from Schlumberger where over his 23-year tenure he worked within their drilling and measurements business before specialising in extended reach and complex well construction, leading projects globally. As a native Spanish speaker with an enviable track record and business network, Luis is ideally placed to help drive Merlin’s plans for the Americas.
Merlin ERD’s Managing Director, Ron Ramage stated “Luis is a perfect fit for our organisation in terms of our values, expertise and approach. He impressed us from day one with his experience, know-how and his passion regarding the potential of the South American market. Luis complements Merlin’s team very well and, with his experience in delivering many of South America’s most complex wells, we are looking forward to accelerating our investment and growth plans within this region”
Luis is equally as enthusiastic about the move. “I was previously aware that Merlin ERD is an innovative, employee-owned company which, coming from a large corporate environment, is a big change but also an exciting and attractive proposition. Working for each other means that we all share the highs and lows that come with running an energy sector business. We are all responsible for the success of Merlin ERD and you can see the positive difference this approach makes across all aspects of the company – from service delivery to internal administration.
Merlin’s focus on ensuring the core business of drilling extended reach, high angle and complex wells is undertaken sustainably and reliably is more valuable than it has ever been. The fact that Merlin has invested in me, counter to what many in the industry are doing right now, is a great compliment and an opportunity I’m delighted to grab with both hands.”
In addition to complementing its team, Merlin is also investing in service diversification, process improvement and digitisation, with activity underway to integrate Managed Pressure Drilling capability, enhance its remote operational support and to further develop its industry-leading online training courses. Merlin is also investing in its proprietary Torque, Drag and Hydraulics software with a view to commercialisation later this year.
Merlin House and solar flower, Perth, Scotland
