SSI’s Australian project proves personal delight for Sam
Great Yarmouth-based Survival Systems International UK is to open its first service company in Australia – a great boost for the company’s international business and a dream come true for one-time apprentice Sam Dye.
Sam will head up the new business as regional manager following several years working closely with a number of SSI clients in Australia.
“I’ve long had an ambition to live and work in Australia so it could not have worked out better,” said Sam. In 2005, he joined SSI as apprentice, with day release to Great Yarmouth College, and is now senior technician with worldwide experience, at the company’s Gapton Hall base.
The US-owned company has manufactured single-cable launched survival capsules for the offshore oil and gas industry for over 40 years. It provides the equipment, servicing and knowledge to achieve a safe evacuation when an emergency occurs on an offshore installation.
The Australian initiative could not have been timelier for Sam who this year married Jenna who shares his enthusiasm for the continent and has relatives in Australia. They expect to be leaving Bradwell, Norfolk, for their new life, probably in Melbourne, early in 2013.
“It’s a great personal opportunity for me and an excellent start to our new company in Australia. Our long-term goal is to expand our operation across the continent,” said Sam.
George Teece, SSI’s vice-president Eastern Hemisphere operations, said: “Australia has long been a target for our future growth and development and I am really excited about opening another service company for SSI.”
SSI’s Australia office and workshop will create a third international outlet overseen by the Great Yarmouth base, adding to those already in Dubai and Malaysia.