AVK UK Celebrates 40 Years of Manufacturing Excellence in Corby
October AVK UK, proudly celebrated 40 years of manufacturing at our Corby facility 08-10-2025
A Legacy Built on Innovation, Quality, and Collaboration
Since its founding in 1985, the Corby plant has been at the heart of AVK UK’s commitment to producing high-quality gate valves and hydrants for the UK water industry. From just seven employees to a skilled workforce of forty, the facility has grown into a modern manufacturing hub, combining decades of expertise with advanced technology and automation.
Over the years, AVK UK has continually invested in machinery, production processes, and digital systems, ensuring the company maintains high standards in quality, efficiency, and sustainability. These investments allow the facility to deliver reliable, precise, and responsible products, while meeting the evolving needs of customers and the wider industry.
This growth and innovation have always been shaped by close partnerships with customers, whose feedback and collaboration drive continuous improvement and the adoption of new technology.
A Day of Celebration and Customer Engagement
The 40th anniversary event brought together colleagues, partners, and key customers for a full day of activities, designed to celebrate the milestone and strengthen the bonds that have defined AVK UK’s success.
Factory Tour
The day began with a guided tour of the Corby facility, giving customers and guests an exclusive view of AVK UK’s production processes. Attendees were able to see how AVK combines experience and modern techniques to deliver high-quality, reliable products tailored to their needs.
Shooting Experience
Following the tour, guests enjoyed an outdoor shooting activity. It was a perfect opportunity for networking and informal engagement:
"Had the best day yesterday celebrating with AVK UK Ltd — turns out I’m quite handy with a shotgun too!" — Alison Bevan, Anglian Water Services
Round Table: Driving Collaboration and Industry Engagement
During the day, we also took the opportunity to have a relaxed discussion on industry topics with our customers and partners. The session was chaired by John Batty and included Paul Hubbard (AVK UK Chairman), Paul Horton (Future Water Association), and Dane Beauchamp (British Water).
The session explored topics including:
- Collaboration and resilience across the supply chain
- Opportunities for deeper engagement between utilities, contractors, and manufacturers
- Sustainability and innovation in AMP8 delivery
Attendees contributed perspectives on leveraging supply chain expertise, future procurement models, and practical sustainability initiatives.
"It was a wonderful opportunity to make new connections and reignite existing ones, all while celebrating the incredible journey of an organisation that has contributed so much to the UK utilities industry." – Event Attendee
The panel demonstrated AVK UK’s commitment to listening to customers, fostering engagement, and promoting collaboration that strengthens the wider industry.
Evening Gala Celebration
The day concluded with a gala dinner at Ansty Hall Hotel, where customers and employees shared stories, celebrated achievements, and toasted AVK’s future. Highlights included a string quartet during dinner, a live band keeping the energy high, and a talk by Bonita Norris, the youngest British woman to climb Everest. Her inspiring message “Success by smallness: you solve the big problems by solving the small ones” - resonated strongly with everyone.
Guests praised the event:
“What a real Friday feeling! Such a sense of pride from the AVK UK family, and hearing from Bonita Norris was the perfect nod to the event itself. Well done AVK UK team!” - Kate Lazenby, Pipeline Industry Guild
“Thank you AVK UK Ltd for a wonderful evening and bringing people together. Superb night!" - Philip Hart from Fusion Utilities
Reflecting on 40 Years of Impact
AVK UK’s journey in Corby is a story of resilience, innovation, and dedication, shaped by close collaboration with customers and industry partners. From early production of small gate valves and hydrants to today’s trusted products, the company has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of its customers, while maintaining a commitment to quality, sustainability, and operational excellence.
The milestone also highlights AVK UK’s commitment to its people and customers. The growth from seven employees to today’s workforce is a testament to the talent, dedication, and collaboration that has driven the business for 40 years.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As AVK UK celebrates this milestone, the company remains focused on the future, continuing to invest in technology, people, and sustainable manufacturing practices. With a strong focus on customer engagement and collaboration, AVK UK, along with Atplas, Fusion Group, and Glenfield Invicta are well-positioned to continue delivering high-quality products and solutions while fostering long-term partnerships across the UK water and gas sectors.
Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and shared in this special day. Here’s to the next 40 years of innovation, collaboration, and success!
