MBI Training Facility Approved | Video

Alex Hagan | 9/4/2012

North Dakota is home to many energy companies taking part in the ongoing oil boom. With that, comes more workers. Working out in the oil fields can be a dangerous job, which means safety is a priority. One of those companies is building a new facility to bring a safer work environment to the oil patch.

Working out in the oil fields can be a tough task and staying safe on the job is one energy company`s first priority.

"We want to provide a safe and reliable service so we want to be there on time, do the job right, and do it safely," said MBI Energy Services CFO Tony Hauck.

MBI Energy Services in Belfield is proposing a training facility for new employees. The project would help potential workers prepare themselves for oil field jobs.

"Phase one of the training facility that we`re looking to build will entail an abandoned well burrow. We`ll be able to train our employees on wire lines, work over pressure things like that and then also it will have a classroom type facility," said Hauck.

The facility will also provide temporary housing for workers as they train.

"With the amount of workforce we are consistently training people and so we think approximately forty beds," said Hauck.

The Stark County Commission approved the zoning for the project. They say the facility is something needed for all oil companies.

"It`s more or less they are providing a safer work environment for their people. I think it`s great," said Stark County Commissioner Jay Elkin.

The project did receive some opposition, but commissioners say the negatives go along with any other oil facility.

"MBI is more than willing to apply dust control measures as well as operating during daylight," said Elkin.

And MBI employees say the training unit will make employees work more efficiently.

"Consistent training process means that we have better employees out there working for us which means we probably have a safe oil industry," said Hauck.

The oil patch can be a tough gig, but a new MBI training facility could make the transition smoother for potential workers.

Now that the Stark County Commission has approved the zoning for project, MBI can begin construction on the facility at any point.

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