AVK Syddal Hosts Pipeline Industries Guild Visit

Continuing their Visits to the AVK Manufacturing Facilities in the UK. 20-10-2023

AVK Syddal was delighted to welcome a visit from members of the Pipeline Industries Guild (PIG) last week, including representatives from utilities, consulting engineers and fellow manufacturers.
The visit to the manufacturing facility, in Hyde, near Manchester, which supplies pipe fittings under the Supa® and Supa Maxi TM brand names, and creates bespoke fabrications to order - including a unique 24/7 emergency repair clamp service - comprised of a tour, followed by presentations, talks, and Q&As. 

It is the second time AVK UK has hosted a visit from PIG members recently, with a separate group having also visited AVK’s Aqua-Gas manufacturing facility in Corby, earlier this month.

The tour of the shop floor, led by Chris Carr, AVK Syddal’s Operations Manager, scored very highly on feedback forms. Regardless of sector, seniority, or specialisation, it is always fascinating to see how products are manufactured, assembled, and tested. 

The afternoon session saw a return to the ‘classroom’ with presentations and a Q&A on AVK UK’s approach to sustainability, AVK Smart Water, hydrogen-ready gas products, the recently-launched Series 36 PE tailed gate valve and, or course, AVK fittings. The discussion around sustainability was led by Michael Day who has recently joined AVK UK as Environmental Manager. 

Feedback from the visit was overwhelmingly positive. This comment from Brad Bannerman, Project Engineer at Cadent, was typical of those received on the day:

‘An enjoyable visit. It was interesting to understand the perspective of an important supplier, broaden knowledge of products and technologies, and touch base with people across the water, wastewater, and gas industries.’

Leading the visit was Neil Hodgkinson, AVK UK’s National Sales Manager:

‘The PIG visit was interesting and productive for all concerned. I was particularly impressed by the engagement of the delegates during the presentations. There were some excellent questions asked, leading to animated conversations across the group. I look forward to hosting further PIG visits in the future.’

The visit was an open invitation from AVK UK to P.I.G members and follows on from a recent previous visit to our Aqua Gas manufacturing facility in Corby, the home of the gate valve and under ground hydrants.

AVK UK extends open invitations to all of our customers, industry associations and professional bodies. If you would like to visit one of our manufacturing facilities or book a training session please contact Mamoun on the number shown or click on the email icon to write to Mamoun directly.

Our training sessions are tailored to your requirements and held at any of the AVK offices or manufacturing sites across the UK, or, at your convenience, at your site. Any number of delegates can be catered for and training is suited to the various levels of experience and product knowledge – from new employees through to refresher courses for advanced engineers. 

Courses range from a one hour Lunch and Learn session (yes…we bring the lunch) through to half day, a full day, to a 2-day course visiting the AVK manufacturing facilities across the UK. Call now to arrange your visit.

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