PROCUREMENT and purchasing firm Craig International Supplies (CIS) has won major contracts with Shell which will almost double the turnover of the business.

The agreement covers work across North America which will lead to the creation of a new office in Calgary, Canada, and an increase in the 70 people working across the company.

CIS also hopes the move will offer it a route into winning more new business and providing further services for existing clients in the region.

Jill MacDonald, CIS joint managing director, said: "These are very significant, high value contracts not only for products but for procurement services, which will open the door to new opportunities for us with all the major players in Calgary."

"As a result, our turnover is projected to double, taking it close to £100 million and making us one of the biggest providers of procurement services in the region."

CIS, which has its headquarters in Aberdeen and is part of privately owned Craig Group, sources a wide range of products going from toiletries and stationery to chemicals and tools.

It buys around £8 million of goods a month and provides those to clients in 55 countries. Douglas Craig, group chairman and managing director, said: "We are focused on growing our international business in North America and, with Alberta producing nearly 70% of Canada's crude oil and almost 80% of its natural gas, creating a stronghold is a key part of our strategy."