reduced mobility and manipulation. The least productive of the three options is the ROV -- the machine. The question gets infinitely more complex when other factors are taken into account, such as water depth, dive duration, and safety. As the water depth at the work site increases, the above ratings are reversed, with the machine being not only the best but also the only option of the three in deep water. The big question is where is the break point -- for a given task, at what depth does it make sense to use the ADS instead of a diver, or an ROV instead of either of these? We have found that there is no simple answer to this question, so one solution we have come up with is to put all three systems on a dedicated vessel. In this way, our vessel superintendent has all options available to him so he can adapt to changing work requirements, depths, currents, and weather. This solution has been well received by our clients, who have seen their work get done more cost effectively. It also avoids some of the internal competition between divers, ADS and ROVs experienced by others in the industry. MTR What investments are Phoenix making that are intended for the long-term health of the company? We are making investments across the board, in our infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and personnel. We are putting a concerted effort into making sure our infrastructure -- accounting, administration, HR, Safety, QA, and IT departments -- is capable of providing the support that is needed to maintain pace with our growth. We continue to invest in our facilities -- upgrading our current facilities to handle our growing staff and equipment pools as well as opening offices in new locations to better support current customers and find new opportunities. We are making substantial investments in our field equipment, ranging from diving equipment for shallow water operations to high power, state-of-the-art ROV systems for work in the deeper regions of the world's oceans. We currently have three vessels under long term leases to support our diving, ADS, and ROV operations. In late summer we are taking delivery of the MPSV Havila Phoenix, a new 360-ft. vessel equipped with DPII, a 250-ton crane, accommodations for 140, and two dedicated 200-hp, 4000m ROV systems. This vessel will primarily support deep water operations for our Houston based Subsea Projects Group. Most importantly, we are investing in our personnel. We firmly believe that our personnel are key elements of our past, present, and future success, and our goal has always been to provide employees with incentive to join Phoenix and
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stay with us. Our Profit Sharing Plan has been a valuable part of this strategy, giving employees the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Last month we took the next step, turning Phoenix into an ESOP -- a 100% employee owned company. Everyone here at Phoenix is excited by this transition, which should greatly enhance our ability to attract, retain, and reward our employees. MTR What do you consider the top priorities for your company in the coming 12 to 24 months? Kutzleb Our number one priority will always be Safety. We have had an excellent safety record since we started in business and we have a robust and effective Safety Program, but as we grow we want to make sure we do everything in our power to ensure the safety of all of our employees at all times. Quality Assurance is another important priority for Phoenix over the coming months. A 50% growth rate would put a strain on any company, and we are no exception. We are continually improving our processes and procedures to ensure our ability to smoothly handle this growth. We are in the final phase of achieving ISO 9000 certification, which will be completed in early 2008. We are committed to ensuring that our field operations are conducted safely and successfully, and that we meet or exceed customer requirements and expectations. MTR What do you consider to be the biggest challenges to your company's continued success? Our biggest challenge is finding qualified personnel. We are currently advertising for personnel at all levels - tenders, divers, ADS pilots, ROV technicians, draftsmen, and engineers. Skilled and qualified personnel are in high demand throughout our industry, but we believe that our ESOP and the opportunity to share ownership in Phoenix will assist us in our ability to attract and retain the highcaliber individuals necessary to prosper in this demanding industry.
Phoenix International Fast Facts
9301 Largo Drive West, Largo, Md. 20774 Tel: 301-341-7800; Fax: 301-499-.0027 Web: www.phnx-international.com President: Mike Kutzleb · Exec VP: John Smith Marketing Director: Tim Janaitis · VP Engineering: Eric Lindberg Facilities:Maryland, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, California, and Hawaii Square Footage: 330,510 Testing Capabilities- Pressure Chamber: 10,000 psi; Test Tank: 18,000 gallons, 12 ft. deep; Fiber Optic Testing: Electronics to component Level Number of Employees: 264 · Annual Sales: $60m
Marine Technology Reporter 39
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