Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing are on the rise, necessitating expansion of Weir Oil & Gas unit Weir SPM’s manufacturing and services facility in Fort Worth, TX, the company said.

The $40 million expansion includes the purchase of 12.7 acres adjacent to the facility’s current location for a dedicated Fort Worth service center to provide quick response times for major pump overhaul. Construction will also include multiple warehouses, an assembly and engineering office, pipe shop, pump machine shop, a swivel manufacturing facility and service center.

The renovations and new space allow Weir SPM to install machinery for increased pump, fluid end and flow manufacturing capacity. The equipment purchased includes additional machining centers, lathes, and equipment capable of producing swivels completely in house for the first time in the company’s history. Investing in this equipment gives Weir SPM a significant increase in its yearly output capacity, the company said.

“We will continue to invest in Weir SPM,” said Steve Noon, divisional managing director for the parent company. The business was acquired by Weir Oil & Gas in 2007.

New and renovated offices will accommodate recently hired management and engineering staff, the company said. The site includes land for future expansions. Construction is under way and and expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2012.