Hilton Instruments Ltd.
The local global supplier
Established in 1989 in Aberdeen, Hilton Instruments this year celebrates 21 years of successful business that has taken it from a standing start to a turnover of over £5 million.
The organisation is now the UK’s leading independent supplier of oilfield laboratory equipment and services, supplying many of the major oil companies, such as Shell, Total and Talisman, plus oil service companies, such as Baker Hughes, Halliburton and Schlumberger. Its wide portfolio, offered across the UK, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Caspian regions, includes:
- Supply of general laboratory equipment, consumables and chemicals
- Supply and service support of cement test equipment
- Supply and service support of mud testing equipment
- Service department providing calibration, repair and service of laboratory equipment
- Laboratory furniture supply and installation
- Modular laboratory project management
- Dangerous goods packing and documentation
As a completely independent organisation, Hilton Instruments has found the flexibility this brings helps the company react to its clients’ immediate and diverse requirements. Using VWR International as its main laboratory supply source, the company also utilises its extensive network of worldwide manufacturers and suppliers, to offer a single source solution underlined by excellent service, quality and choice.
Hilton Instruments has long-standing relationships with two American companies, Chandler Engineering and OFITE. Chandler has over 50 years experience in the manufacture and supply of cement test equipment, and is widely recognised as the world leader in this field. OFITE has traded for over 20 years in the manufacture of mud test equipment. Hilton Instruments supports its clients from its headquarters in Aberdeen by holding extensive stock locally, whilst also providing international service support for Chandler and OFITE equipment, using its own trained and 
qualified engineers.
Kevin Norrie, managing director of the company, outlines some its strengths: “We put a lot of our success down to the experience we have amassed over the years, with company personnel having a broad knowledge of the oil industry and, more importantly, individual customer requirements. Hilton Instruments has gained a reputation amongst its clients for providing a friendly, personal service, supported by in-depth technical knowledge.”
He adds, “Our flexibility enables us to supply beyond the normal realms of laboratory equipment, and we see ourselves as a specialist in the industry, able to source products out-with our standard scope, should the customer require it. Our strategic location in Aberdeen means that we are almost literally on the doorstep of our local clients who are able to gain an immediate response and back up from us at any time, due to our large in-house stocks and service capabilities.”
Focussing on overseas activity, Kevin explains: “We have been active in areas such as the Middle East and Africa since we commenced trading in 1989. Satisfied customers, who have transferred overseas after originally dealing with Hilton Instruments locally often continue to deal with us, enabling us to maintain strong relationships with clients not based in our home market.”
As part of the company’s progression into new and flourishing markets, Hilton Instruments has recently employed Dr. Abbie Elmegirab as North African sales manager, with the aim of expanding the organisation’s supply of laboratory equipment into North Africa and the Middle East. Abbie’s experience in the Libyan market, working with the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and international oil companies, means that the contacts and lines of communication are already in place.
While Hilton Instruments will initially concentrate on the Libyan market, other potential areas for development include Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria and the Middle East. As Kevin explains: “Our short term focus will be on consolidating our position in Libya, before turning to these additional markets. We already have a number of collaborations with companies based in these markets, so this provides a good platform for future growth. The Caspian region has also shown potential and the company is considering the launch of a fact-finding mission to this area following the success of such a project in Libya.”
Kevin concludes: “While 2009 was a tough year for most in the oil and gas industry, Hilton Instruments experienced its most successful year to date. I contribute this to the loyalty shown by our customers, and the ongoing commitment to customer service shown by Hilton staff. I see a positive future for the company, both domestically and internationally, and we look forward to developing our existing relationships whilst also welcoming new customers.”
Hilton Instruments Ltd.
Products: Complete laboratory supply specialists