flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Drilling deeper: The booming Bakken Shale region

Sponsored Content

Drilling deeper: The booming Bakken Shale region


Williams Scotsman | October 16, 2014
Image: Williams Scotsman

According to Federal Reserve data, the number of new businesses has grown by almost 50% compared with five percent growth for the rest of North Dakota and three percent nationally. The economic growth has put the state of North Dakota in the black, making it the envy of many other states in the U.S.  

The state now has a budget surplus and received more than $749.5 million in state revenues from oil production in 2010 according to the North Dakota Petroleum Council. The council also reports that the state has the lowest unemployment rate in the country. 

As a result of the booming energy business, people are migrating to the area and laying down roots. Williams Scotsman is providing the energy companies with everything from crew quarters to office complexes to storage containers, but a growing workforce also means an immediate need for more commercial and public infrastructure. Schools, hospitals, municipal buildings, shopping centers, restaurants and more are required when communities flourish. 

One town in particular, Watford City, is at the heart of growth in the Bakken Shale region. The McKenzie County town was established in 1883 and experienced the highest population growth during the past decade. Known as the Island Empire because it’s surrounded by water on three sides, the land is rich in fossils, petrified forests, petroleum deposits and wild life. The small western town has evolved in recent years and its unique setting has attracted many new residents.  

 

 

Challenge: An outcome of the increased population is an increased demand on the court system. In just a two-year period, the McKenzie Courthouse increased its workforce by 20%. 

Solution: The county turned to Williams Scotsman and worked with experts in our nearby Williston branch to develop space solutions to meet the growing demands. To extend the capacity of the existing courthouse, we provided five modular units. We also made it easier for the county by being their single source for value added products including furniture, ramps, steps and insurance waivers. The wheels of justice are moving a little smoother in Watford City thanks to the speed and flexibility of modern modular space solutions.

A temporary airport terminal was also made possible in the city of Williston thanks to modular space. We provided an aesthetically pleasing space to accommodate 105 passengers. We also installed ramps for passengers and crew to easily access the building. Developing transportation hubs further enhances the lives of residents and accommodates remote workers coming to the area for employment. 

At Williams Scotsman we continue to play an integral part in the ongoing development in the Bakken Shale region. From transportation hubs to government buildings, we provide necessary space to implement new services and keep critical services up and running. While the oil and gas sector is the main engine fueling growth in this energy hotbed, it’s important to recognize other industries that support the population growth over time.

About the Author
Paul Raiford is Director of Energy Services for Williams Scotsman.

More from Author

Williams Scotsman | Mar 30, 2015

Spring cleaning tips for modular space

Modular structure manufacturer Williams Scotsman shares seven things to do to prep modular units for the spring.

Williams Scotsman | Mar 16, 2015

Modular Space Showcase: Helping BP take command in the Gulf of Mexico

Immediate emergency response to minimize and remedy environmental damage called for temporary, modular spaces.

Williams Scotsman | Mar 9, 2015

Drilling Deeper: Eagle Ford Shale moving up despite oil prices going down

Like many other energy hotbends throughout the continent, demand for modular structures isn't decreasing with oil prices

Williams Scotsman | Mar 3, 2015

Modular construction brings affordable housing to many New Yorkers

After city officials waived certain zoning and density regulations, modular microunits smaller than 400 square feet are springing up in New York.

Williams Scotsman | Feb 23, 2015

Modular Space Showcase: Sales center brings curb appeal

The Welcome Center received rave reviews from the customer as well as community residents and potential buyers.

Williams Scotsman | Feb 17, 2015

When lava flow in Hawaii threatens a public school district, officials turn to modular

Hawaii Modular Space, a Williams Scotsman company, designed temporary classroom space for the Pahoa and Keeau schools that would become displaced due to ongoing lava flow in Pahoa, Hawaii.

Williams Scotsman | Feb 5, 2015

3D printing has people in the building and construction industry talking

How can 3D printing affect the building design and construction industry?

Williams Scotsman | Feb 2, 2015

Modular Space Showcase: Getting down to business in Alberta’s oil sands

If you work in the energy sector you’ve heard of Alberta’s oil sands. Located in Western Canada, Alberta is a province with an abundance of natural resources.  Oil sands are located in three major areas of northeast Alberta spanning hundreds of thousands of miles. 

Williams Scotsman | Jan 26, 2015

Modular space showcase: Powerful space solutions for Ontario’s energy future

Having access to the right workspace is important, regardless of location. A comfortable, efficient and attractive workspace can make all the difference for workers. For Hydro One Networks, an electricity transmission and distribution company based in Ontario, establishing well-equipped field offices in various remote locations was essential to success. 

Williams Scotsman | Jan 19, 2015

Resolve to go green this year

Not every company can top Forbes magazine’s Most Sustainable Companies list, but we can all resolve to try to do more to protect the environment in 2015.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021