Atwood Oceanics relocates HQ after 34 years

Atwood Oceanics, Inc, a global offshore drilling contractor, today announced the move of its corporate headquarters to the Energy Crossing II building at 15011 Katy Freeway, Houston, to accommodate the company’s recent record growth.

The move also marks a pivotal point in Atwood’s 45 year history as the company invests in an ongoing $4.5 billion fleet expansion and modernization program. Upon the program’s completion in 2015, Atwood will have replaced its legacy assets with world class drillships, semi-submersibles and jack-up rigs, reducing average life of its active rig fleet from approximately 30 years to 10 years.

Atwood Oceanics made the decision to relocate its corporate facilities after 34 years in its former location at Park Ten Place, allowing Atwood to become more operationally efficient and flexible. The move will provide the company’s nearly 200 Houston-based employees with contemporary workspaces and numerous collaboration areas. The office space, which occupies the top two floors of the eight story building, also includes an employee café and social gathering area.

“With the success of our fleet transformation program, we saw the need to invest in a modern, larger headquarters facility with extensive amenities to support our company’s growth,” said Rob Saltiel, Atwood Oceanics’ President and CEO. “This move positions Atwood for continued success and enhances our ability to attract and retain the best employees.”

Included in the new space is a ground floor training center for delivering competency-based drilling and technical skills curriculum. A prominent feature of the new facility, the learning center will emphasize workforce development for both shore-based and offshore teams, improving the safety, reliability, and efficiency of Atwood’s drilling services.

Located at the southwest intersection of Interstate 10 and Highway 6, the 89,000 sq. ft. Atwood space was designed by Gensler with construction services provided by Houston-based Trademark Construction. The Energy Crossing campus, leased and managed by Lincoln Property Company, includes a fitness center, secure parking garage, and full-service delicatessen accessible to Atwood employees. Atwood is targeting a Silver LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for its space.