Fluor Daniel Wins $220-Million Contract for Venezuelan Refinery

Fluor Daniel Inc. announced Monday that it has received a $220-million contract to design and build a refinery system that will help the national oil company of Venezuela improve its crude production.

The Irvine company will build a “delayed coker” able to convert as much as 2,000 tons of heavy crude oil a day into gasoline and diesel and jet fuels.

Petroleos de Venezuela has announced plans to spend more than $30 billion to expand its oil industry through 1996. Venezuela, which has the world’s fifth-largest oil reserve, is hoping to increase its crude output from 2.8 million barrels a day to 3.5 million.

“They have estimated a 1% to 2 1/2% annual growth in worldwide crude demand, and they are anxious to be in a position to supply that,” said Fluor Daniel group manager Gerald Glenn. “They view themselves as a good reliable source of crude and as an alternative to so much dependence on the Middle East.”

Fluor helped develop the Venezuela oil industry in the 1960s. The $220-million contract is the first it has received as the South American country rushes to expand its oil production, but more are expected.

The company also announced Monday that it will provide construction management for a new convention center to be built in Charlotte, N.C. The Charlotte contract is worth about $7 million.

Fluor Daniel is an engineering and construction firm that has more than 50 offices worldwide. It is the principal subsidiary of Fluor Corp.