Research and Engineering 

The Research and Engineering Support Services Group (SSG), based at the Technical Center at the North Course headquarters in Houston, Texas, is an integral part of the corporate Research and Engineering (R&E) function of M-I SWACO. SSG is comprised of two teams – Analytical Services (AS) and Quality Assurance (QA). Both groups support the efforts of the other technical disciplines throughout the organization. With over 250 years of relevant industry experience on tap, the Support Services Group is well equipped to service not only routine business but also the unexpected and unusual demands that the industry seems to have an infinite capacity to generate.

The Analytical Services team provides direct support to every technically-oriented function within the M-I SWACO organization. The team, which is arguably the most experienced, best equipped and most productive in the industry, is capable of handling almost any analytical project generated in the fluids and waste management lines. When projects are outside the scope of in-house capabilities, the AS team turns to a carefully selected network of 3rd party laboratories to provide services. Only laboratories that have been thoroughly investigated and with which M-I SWACO has a satisfactory track record are chosen for these special projects. The AS team also plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of product specifications.

In addition to its primary role as quality custodian of the company’s product line, the Quality Assurance team has the responsibility of maintaining R&E’s ISO 9000-2000 registration and is intimately involved with the Procurement Group in examining mineral sources and qualifying new supply sources in general. With over 100 years of combined industry experience and a staff that holds Quality Engineer and Quality Auditor certifications, the team is ready to fulfill its critical role in ensuring that M-I SWACO customers receive only the highest quality, fit-for-purpose products. The staff’s wide industry experience positions them well to address problems experienced in production: from shipping and warehousing to field application. Members of the team are very active in industry and professional organizations including the International Organization for Standards (ISO), the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the American Society for Quality (ASQ).