The company has appointed an agent for Saudi Arabia in the form of the Al-Shuwayer Group and has opened a new office in the eastern Saudi city of Al-Khobar.

The expansion plan follows an enhanced US presence achieved last year through the opening of an office in Houston.

Antech operates across three divisions, providing product technologies, DCTD services and specialist training for the global upstream industry.

The company also provides training in the use of its products and services through its AnTech Academy, which is the subject of new plans to be rolled out soon.

"It is increasingly important that we are able to offer the best possible service to our clients in the Middle East, hence our strategic expansion within the region," AnTech managing director Toni Miszewski said.

"AnTech has been focussing on growth within the Americas and Middle East, as well as Europe.

"Its staff numbers have doubled in the last year and demand for its patented products, wellhead equipment and state-of-the-art DCTD equipment continues to increase in new regions."

AnTech offers a whole range of drilling technology, including its gyro-steered POLARIS BHA, which was used to drill the world's first horizontal lateral well with air.