Ferguson Group, which rents equipment to the global energy industry, has grown its pre-tax profit by more than £1 million to £15.6m on a record £50m turnover.

In 2011, the group expanded its rental fleet to over 16,000 units with 75% operating overseas. Based in Kintore, Aberdeenshire, it employs more than 170 people worldwide, serving the offshore container rental and accommodation modules markets.

Mike Melville, finance director, said: "The geographic spread of the business continued to expand, particularly in the West Africa and Caribbean markets.

"Production of the Group's first accommodation service vessel was completed during the year and it had its maiden charter in the renewables sector working in the North Sea.

"We also completed a number of infrastructure projects during 2011. In addition to relocating the group head office to a purpose-built site in Kintore, the group's Norwegian and Australian companies also moved to newly constructed facilities in Stavanger and Perth respectively.

"These investments are part of a plan to upgrade all the facilities the business operates from, in order to support the ambitious growth objectives for the group worldwide."

A fourth overseas subsidiary, Ferguson Group Middle East FZE, was recently launched in the United Arab Emirates.

Mr Melville said: "We have enjoyed good growth in the region in the past few years."

The group was investing in its rental fleets and bases and planned a new facility in Karratha, Australia.

It has made "a good start to 2012" with the first six months trading results in line with plans.