The move, says VT TSS, will consolidate its R&D, product engineering and production activities while also facilitating the servicing of all its systems in addition to S G Brown's navigation equipment. Present sales and service outlets in Aberdeen and Houston will be retained.

Announcement of the move coincides with the first reported sales of VT TSS's new 440 Series pipe and cable tracker for use by oil, gas and submarine cable industries at depths in excess of 3,000m. Ashtead Technology, the leading Aberdeen-based rental company, has ordered eight systems which it will hire out from its bases around the world. They have a tracking range up to 50% greater than earlier 340 series models, more than 200 of which have been sold.