Maats intensifies role in pipeline industry

From landlocked terrain to archipelagos, Maats Pipeline Equipment has been shipping its high-end machines anywhere they are needed. A leading rental company for the global pipeline industry, it manufactures and supplies high-quality side booms, welding tractors and pipe benders to a global clientele mainly in Russia, Canada and markets in Europe and Southeast Asia.

The Netherlands-based company became the exclusive distribution partner of German company Liebherr in 1994. Being the first to market side booms with a full hydrostatic drive system and integrated rollover protection system, it continues to design and manufacture equipment under the Liebherr brand. This collaborative approach is also evident in its dealings with contractors no matter the location.

"In case of problems, we can modify or adapt our units," says CEO Gerben Wansink. "Our main focus is to get our customers the unit that is fit for the work, and we stay working with them for as long as the project runs, providing service in spare parts, mechanics and training."

Russia remains the biggest market for Maats as it continues to maintain its strength in Asia and Europe. It is building its foothold in Southeast Asia through forays into Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar amid an increasing number of companies doing offshore drilling in the area.

"In Asia, we have lesser-known companies that are starting up in the pipeline industry, which is great," Wansink says. "They don't want to directly buy this equipment, so for us as a rental and sales company, that's good. At the moment, it's great to be in Asia."

The company, founded in 1981 by marine engineer Wilhelm Maats, maintains a positive outlook for Asia over the next five years. Offshore pipes will come ashore in the upcoming years, and the company sees tremendous opportunities working with more customers, particularly pipeline contractors focused on the region.