Williston's largest private company breaks ground on new site

WILLISTON, ND -- Last Thursday was an important and thrilling day for Halliburton employees in Williston, ND. The company broke ground on a new 30.8 acre site east of Williston in the city’s Rail Industrial Park. The site will house a new facility estimated at $15 to $20 million.

“The expansion is an exciting time for us here at Halliburton,” said Brent Eslinger, Halliburton district manager. “I want to thank the city of Williston and Mayor Ward Koeser for working with us.”

Halliburton has been in Williston as a local employer since 1984 with operations for 25 years. The industry has had a challenging year, but the long-term outlook is positive and Halliburton is working to ensure they will be able to accelerate their growth when the recovery occurs. In a press release from Diana Gabriel, senior manager, public relations at Halliburton, she stated, “This investment in our infrastructure is a demonstration of our belief in that goal.”

Williston Mayor Ward Koeser appreciates the investment Halliburton has made in the community. “Your company does a lot for our economy and we will continue to work with you,” he said. “We love seeing the red trucks driving around town,” he added with a smile.

Current operations include Fracturing/Acidizing, Cementing, Completion Tools and Service, Nitrogen Services, Wellhead Isolation Tools, Baroid drilling fluids, and Drill Bits and Services to name a few. New operations in Williston will include Wireline and Perforating services.

The new facility is being built to provide additional services to their customers. It will include a new Completion Tools and Wireline and Perforating facility, capacity for a sand storage plant with additional rail spurs, and an 8,000 square foot four-bay automated truck washing building. Also included will be additional truck and equipment parking along with fencing of the property and parking areas.

Construction of the new footings and foundation will begin this fall, and construction of the 35,000 square foot building will continue through the winter. The facility is planned for completion in 2010.

Shane Goettle, North Dakota Department of Commerce, was present to congratulate the Halliburton team on their success and being the largest private company in Williston. “Having the right business climate is key in continuing to grow our oil, gas and workforce,” he said. “We are going to have to continue attracting more workers in the future.”

While the new facility is being built, the current location is receiving upgrades as well. Some improvements include a new 4,800 square foot chemical storage building (which is operational now) and a 3,500 square foot office addition, scheduled for completion late October 2009.

Contractors have also completed the cement pour on a two acre parking lot (77,000 square feet) adjacent to the 30,000 square foot, seven-bay truck shop. “This shop is in its final stages of completion,” said Eslinger. “Interior finishes are all that’s left.”

With the hard hit on the oil industry, Gabriel stated there were a few Halliburton personnel reductions in Williston. “Halliburton continues to work hard to minimize the impact of the current global economic climate to our workforce,” she said in the press release. “We stand firm in our commitment to deliver exceptional solutions and services to our customers as well as deliver value to our shareholders, and we continue to be proactive in evaluating market conditions and managing our costs.”

Gabriel closed saying it is difficult, if not impossible, to predict when the market will rebound. “However, we believe that we are taking prudent steps to manage through the downturn and that Halliburton has the products, technology and experience to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Halliburton has more than 300 employees working in the Williston area. The company’s customers include major and independent oil and gas companies.

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