Cooper Industries has opened the doors of its new technology training centre in Houston.

The new 35,000 sq ft facilities feature an auditorium, conference room, numerous training suites and a full-scale refinery and wastewater processor and electricity grid, allowing trainees to hone their skills in an operational environment.

Commenting on the new facilities, company chief executive Kirk Hachigian said that the centre offers a unique environment that delivers vital training at a time when company budgets are stretched.

"It also allows us to partner with distributors, EPC professionals and end-users alike to discuss the various opportunities that exist with emerging technologies and products," he added.

All eight divisions of the company are represented in the new facilities, giving visitors the opportunity to familiarise themselves with its diverse product base.

The refinery facilities alone contain more than 250 trademark devices and products that have been installed as they would in a fully operational refinery.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development