French oil services company Technip will begin a new investment project to expand its flexible pipe manufacturing footprint in Brazil adding capacity for additional volume and high-end products.

The investment process will begin in 2011 with preparing the construction site costing an estimated EUR30m.

The pre-salt developments will increase the demand for flexible pipes, both for flowline and riser applications requiring additional capacity and technological capabilities.

Technip began working with the relevant authorities to secure the approvals for building up a new manufacturing complex at its Angra dos Reis site, acquired by Technip in 2009 and is strategically located in front of the pre-salt basins.

The company said that it played a critical part in the logistics of the Tupi gas export project successfully executed in 2010.

The new manufacturing site will focus on high-end products, such as Integrated Production Bundles (IPBs).