WEIR Group and Rolls-Royce Power Systems subsidiary MTU have announced their Texas-based oil and gas-focused joint venture will be named EPIX, and led by Douglas Schwedland.

Making its debut at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, the joint venture partners announced that EPIX would initially deliver integrated power systems for hydraulic fracturing or “fracking”.

Mr Schwedland has more than 20 years of experience in the diesel engine and business systems industries. Most recently, he has held the dual role of chief executive of MTU Middle East FZE, and business development director for the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia for Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

At the conference, Glasgow-based Weir Group’s oil and gas division also unveiled technology including a new valve component which doubles operational life, and a new intelligent monitoring system for pressure control systems used in hydraulic fracturing.