Uti opens global hub in Houston to focus on energy sector

Supply chain management provider UTi Worldwide Inc. said today it has opened a global hub in Houston that will focus on serving the energy sector.

Long Beach, Calif.-based UTi said it is expanding its presence in Houston to be in close proximity to the major oil and gas companies located there.

"UTi sees the energy sector as a high potential growth opportunity and as such has invested resources in growing this vertical market," said Bruce Hulings, global vice president, UTi's energy, mining, and projects unit. "Besides this Houston facility, we established regional offices in key global markets where energy exploration and drilling is centered."

UTi also located its global ocean charter operations at the facility, saying it will allow for better synergies with the energy and mining unit. Vessel charters are in greater demand in the oil and gas industry than in most sectors.