Kristiansand, Norway 03 November: Alu Design & Services AS, a leading provider of advanced pilot chairs and deck rails, is pleased to announce the formation of a research and development project in cooperation with Aker Solutions.

The development contract follows a frame agreement for the production of specially adapted offshore crane operator chairs announced earlier this year. That agreement resulted in the successful delivery of specialized crane operator chairs to Aker Solutions, and helped lay the foundation for the new development project.

According to Einar Ulrichsen, CEO for Alu Design, the development project represents a genuine opportunity for the company. “Working with Aker Solutions on this project will help us develop a suite of next-generation products which may revolutionize many aspects the work station user experience onboard,” he says. “We are taking a fresh look at interfaces and systems which will add real value over time.”

Bjørn Rudshaug of Aker Solutions says it took some time to select the right partner for the project. “We reviewed a number of suppliers to work with us on this project before signing an agreement with Alu Design,” he says. “In our view, they have the competence and design philosophy which matches the project’s scope.” While Bjørn Rudshaug declined to offer specifics on the project, he is confident that the results will generate significant industry interest. “We expect to release some aspects of the project in June, 2011,” he says.

The agreement, which includes the participation of the leading Scandinavian design agency Hareide Designmill and Studio Eik, which offers 3D architectural modeling and engineering, will be devoted to developing specialized products for use in a broad range of work station applications.

Frank Robertsen, marketing director notes that Alu Design has also partnered with Kongsberg Maritime for their award-winning K-Master pilot chair solution. “As a relatively small company, we recognize the value of partnering with industry majors to produce outstanding results,” he says. “In the past two years, the quality and affordability of our products has generated a lot of interest, and helped boost sales for our Alutech product brands.”

Alu Design & Services AS provides pilot chairs and deck rails for companies operating in the maritime, offshore and navy industries world wide.