The establishment of the Humble-Global geochemical laboratory in Lagos, Nigeria was recognized by the United States Government Department of Commerce. U.S. Congressman Ted Poe, representing Texas’ 2nd District in Washington, presented Humble Instruments with the award. The goal of this award is to recognize small business efforts in the international export marketplace. Humble’s large investment in Nigeria prompted this action. The U.S. Department of Commerce facilitates arrangements for exporting goods, assisting foreign nationals receive travel visas for training or conference visits in the U.S.A., and assists companies develop additional markets for goods and services.
In attendance at the presentation were:
Congressman Poe presented the award to Linda and Dan Jarvie, owners of Humble Instruments. He stated that small business is at the heart of America’s growth creating the most jobs in America and that international business is to be aided by governments, not hindered.
Dan Jarvie, president of Humble, thanked numerous employees, particularly Dave Weldon, Humble’s Engineering Manager, who installed all the analytical instrumentation in Lagos and insures its day-to-day operation. The Nigerian geochemical laboratory has proven itself to be high quality and reliable based on the excellent support received from Humble’s engineering department. Mr. Weldon monitors analytical results via the internet, and if need be, can actually control and trouble-shoot the analytical instruments from our home office in Humble, Texas. He and other Humble employees completed a training program for Global last fall in Humble’s offices on Higgins Street.
Mr. Jarvie also thanked Charlene Boggs, Humble's General Manager, for her efforts in bringing Humble’s business to new levels. Of course, Linda Jarvie, Humble’s Corporate Treasurer/Secretary, also played a key role in her support and work to implement the laboratory in Nigeria. Mr. Jarvie thanked Humble's employees, who introduced themselves one-by-one to Congressman Poe, for their work ethic.
He also stated his appreciation to the foresight and business acumen of Global Energy of Lagos, Nigeria who has shown the highest business ethics combined with a well planned business approach. Mr. Jarvie stated that this joint venture laboratory is a reflection of Global’s excellent reputation both in business and ethics. Joe Obiago, president of Global Energy, has established numerous successful business operations and employs approximately 100 Nigerians in their businesses. Patrick Obot, vice president at Global, was instrumental in bringing the two companies together for the joint venture geochemical laboratory. Joe Asanga, Manager of Exploration Services, manages day-to-day operations for the laboratory including sales and marketing.
Finally, he thanked the people of Nigeria – the happiest people on earth (except during a photograph!). He stressed the good of Nigeria and its people, which seldom makes the news.
Mr. Jarvie also showed Humble’s new plans for a new 21,000 square foot office, laboratory, and warehouse complex to be completed approximately December 1, 2006 in Humble. Humble Instruments currently operates out of three separate office/laboratories in the Humble/Kingwood area. The new office complex will have excellent facilities for training as well as a visitors computer center to allow ease of contact with visitors home offices.
In Nigeria, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) have visited and endorsed the laboratory as an opportunity for Nigeria to evaluate and assess its petroleum resources by use of the laboratory. Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) also visited the laboratory and stated that this was a wonderful development for the country itself. Various operators in Nigeria also attended the laboratory opening and cited the foresight of Global Energy in pursuing this direction for the Nigerian oil industry.
The Humble-Global Geochemical Laboratory offers the following services:
The lab generates the gases it needs using gas generators, although helium is purchased locally. The lab has full battery backup via UPS systems for each instrument and Global has its own generator backup for the entire facility. The lab in Nigeria handles all sample log-in and this process provides the necessary procedures for assigning and tracking the status of projects.
While this was Humble’s first major investment in an international geochemical laboratory, Humble has been exporting analytical instruments for the past 15 years. Humble’s analytical instruments have been installed in Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
Read the March 2006 Department of Commerce Newsletter
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