TPi October 2008

news business & market

Applus+ acquires US non-destructive testing group

Easier-to-install pipeline solution wins major project PAM Natural ductile iron pipe, innovative protection and improved mechanical anchorage together with cost savings, technical performance and ease of installation proved the winning combination for Saint-Gobain Pipelines (SGPL) when it secured an £8m Wing Pipeline contract with Anglian Water Services. Saint-Gobain was chosen after an intensive tender process that included proposals from suppliers of other materials, including steel. Ductile iron was the preferred material because of its durability, ease of installation, corrosion protection and commercial viability. The objective of the project is to provide an additional 50 mega litres of potable water per day, to enable Anglian Water to meet the increase in demand over the next 20 years resulting from the significant development planned for the area between UK towns Corby and Milton Keynes. Raw water will be drawn from Rutland Water to the Empingham Pumping Station, then pumped to the Wing Water Treatment Works 8km away. When treated, the water will be pumped to the Beanfield reservoir 15km away and then, finally, onto the Hannington Reservoir, which is a further 18km. In addition to the pipelines, the Wing programme of work includes new pumping stations and a new water treatment works. The total value of the Wing programme is £115m, of which the pipeline project comprises £35m. PAM Natural ductile iron pipe has been specified in diameter DN900 for 18km and DN1000 for 23km. The pipes are coated with 400gm zinc aluminium and finished with blue epoxy for the potable section and black bitumen for the raw water section. In areas where the ground was deemed to be highly aggressive, TT coating was specified. The wider field of applications for which 400gm natural

Rob van Doorn, director of Applus RTD commented on the strategic importance of the acquisition. “ The accumulation of pipelinework in theUS has led customers to look for vendors that can provide high-level services and the capability to complete big projects. Applus RTD has a strong reputation in the US offshore markets and the Canadian land-based market, where we are already market leader. The incorporation of a well- established local company, such as JanX, will allow us to increase our client base, responding in a positive way to their demands. ” Applus+carriesoutcertificationactivities and global technological services, including inspection, calibration, testing, approval, technical assis- tance, training, technology transfer, management, optimisation, engineering and R&D. The company serves more than 25 industries, including agribusiness, automotive, construction, transportation, energy, the environment and telecommunications.

Applus+, one of the ten largest certification companies and the top Spanish multinational in that area, has announced its acquisition of JanX Integrity Group, USA, a non-destructive testing and inspection specialist. JanX will be integrated into Applus RTD, strengthening its strategic position and increasing its service offering in the US. This is the second acquisition since The Carlyle Group and a consortium led by Caixa Catalunya took over the majority of the company last November. At the start of 2008, Applus+ bought MBI, a UK non-destructive testing leader. JanX is primarily focused on the on-shore pipeline markets, offering x-ray based testing, pipeline integrity services, project management and consultancy services. John Newland, founder and director of JanX, will continue to manage the operations of the company and will become part of the Applus RTD senior management team in the US. JanX’s client base includes pipeline operators, refineries and chemical plants. The company’s headquarters are located in Parma, Michigan, with 14 supporting offices throughout the US.

Applus+ – Spain info@appluscorp.com www.applus.com

Felss Burger appoints new managing director

Dr-Ing Burghard Schneider has been appointed as manager director of tube forming technology company Felss Burger GmbH, Germany. Dr Schneider will develop the company’s technology leadership and expand its international activities from USA to Asia.

Dr Schneider previously headed Schott HiCotec, producing high vacuum coating machinery, and the active components division of Optovance Inc, USA.

Felss Burger GmbH, part of the Felss-Group, develops and manufactures automated, highly flexible customised production systems, with a focus on forming, autofrettage, assembly and mounting processes of tubular parts. The company’s machinery and production systems are used in the production of tube, hose, plate, strip steel and wire parts such as brake and cooling pipes, common-rail-systems, seating and structuring elements, windshield wipers and belt pretensioners.

Felss Burger GmbH – Germany info@felss-burger.com www.felss-burger.com

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Tube Products International October 2008

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