Non-destructive is an important field of engineering and science, which can prevent accidents, reduce costs, improve product reliability and better plan repair schedules, all factors which make experts such as Mike Needham critical to maintaining a healthy oil and gas industry in WA.
“I’ve essentially been involved with the inspection and testing industry throughout my working life.
“I’ve worked for most of the major players in the inspection and testing arena and have also been employed in third party audit positions as the client’s representative carrying out quality audits for and on behalf of a variety of companies in the Oil & Gas sector,” said Mike Needham.
Mike recently made the move to Perth when the Laboratory for Materials Analysis and Testing Services - better knows as LMATS - opened its doors in on the West Coast.
"We provide comprehensive testing services in the field of advanced and conventional NDT, hydrostatic testing, pressure equipment and structure inspections, engineering and mechanical testing, chemical analysis, corrosion resistance testing, weld testing and WPS qualifications, metallurgical services and material Identification, protective coating testing, and more.”
As the company’s Regional Manager, Mike handles projects in both Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
The NDT veteran who has been involved in the oil and gas sector to some degree throughout his working life holds a number of inspection and testing qualifications, certifications as well as an advanced diploma and diploma in engineering and management.
“I’m currently a director of the Australian Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (AINDT), who has recently signed an MOU with the PCWA.”
Keen to meet associates within the oil and gas industry, Mike became a PCWA member two years ago for the focused networking opportunities provided by the club. “The networking events are always fantastic, and I always enjoy the presentations by the guest speakers and the warm environment in which they’re conducted. I find the whole PCWA team to be a fantastic group of very friendly people willing to help in any way they can,” continued Needham.
Outside of the office, the LMATS Regional Manager has two children, one still just in her teens and a son in his early twenties who has recently made the move from home. He also enjoys playing a round of golf, albeit not as often as he would like, and gets a thrill from “a bit of off-road four-wheel driving.
To learn more about LMATS, check out www.lmats.com.au