McMoRan Exploration Co., a subsidiary of Arizona-based Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., has moved to the Greenspoint area with 50-plus employees.  McMoRan Exploration Co. pursues exploration and development opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf Coast region, primarily high-risk, high potential, deep exploration prospects in the shallow waters of the shelf of the Gulf of Mexico.
 
Exterran Holdings Inc. is the recently created union of Hanover Compressor Company and Universal Compression Holdings Inc., both located in Houston.  Exterran Holdings Inc. is a world leader in full-service natural gas compression and production and processing equipment.
 
McMoRan Exploration Co. occupies 2 1/2 floors of the 4-story building at the southeast corner of Benmar Drive and Northchase, one of three buildings formerly occupied by Kerr McGee prior to its purchase by Anadarko, a Woodlands-based company.  Exterran is the sole tenant of the remaining two buildings.  Renovation is underway to Exterran’s space, with an April move anticipated.
 
“The execution of this 10-year lease is an important milestone for Exterran, allowing our new company to combine the strengths of the former Universal Compression Holdings and Hanover Compressor Company in one corporate office complex,” said Steve Snider, Exterran president and chief executive office.  “This prime location provides our employees and customers with a central location with convenient access to major interstates and international air travel to serve our U.S. and international locations.”

“We worked closely with Exterran to provide information—first to their site selection team, and later to employees. We are delighted to have won this great company for Greenspoint,” said Jack Drake, Greenspoint District president. “We look forward to long, prosperous partnerships with Exterran and with McMoRan Exploration Co.”