TPI July 2014

business & market news

British valve firm wins second Queen’s Award Valve engineering specialist Severn Glocon Group has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, International Trade for the second time in four years. The award recognises the British manufacturer’s three-year trajectory of continuous growth in overseas sales. Between 2010 and 2012 international trade increased by 120 per cent and now represents 68 per cent of total group turnover.

as the Middle East also played a major role in overall international sales.

The group has continued to invest in its facilities and infrastructure, including the relocation of established plant division Severn Unival to purpose-built £2.5mn premises; significant expansion of manufacturing facilities in India; and installation of sophisticated high- capacity cryogenic testing in Gloucester, UK. A Regional Growth Fund grant facilitated the opening of a dedicated valve innovation centre, which is one part of an enhanced focus on research and development that helps the group compete more effectively with larger US conglomerates. “The past three years have been the most dynamic in our 53 year history,” said CEO Maurice Critchley. “Many different strands of activity have come together, driving significant growth and success. I am proud to be at the helm of a progressive British engineering and manufacturing firm that delivers truly world-class valve products and technical advisory services.”

Growth was accelerated by strategic acquisitions of UK firms specialising in subsea and butterfly valves within the three- year timeframe. This diversification enhances the scope of the group’s British engineering and manufacturing capabilities for the global oil and gas industry. New developments in Australia, China, Brazil, India and Iraq played an important role in the award win. seen significant growth, with the group earning ‘top three cryogenic valve manufacturer’ status and securing several landmark LNG contracts. Established markets such Australia has

Severn Glocon Group plc – UK sales@severnglocon.co.uk www.severnglocon.com American Piping fills management roles Severn Glocon CEO Maurice Critchley

have earned it with hard work and exceptional dedication to American PipingProducts. These keypromotions are part of an ongoing effort to build a world-class management team at our company.” Collectively, Mr Koehler, Mr Danis and Mr Hickey bring more than 40 years of management and piping experience to the company’s executive team. American Piping Products Inc – USA sales@amerpipe.com www.amerpipe.com

Shep Hickey, who joined the operations team in 2011, has been promoted to COO. American Piping Products CEO Al Rheinnecker said, “American Piping Products is an industry leader as a result of investing in people, and we think that promoting successful people from within our organisation is the ultimate vote of confidence in their abilities.

American Piping Products, a distributor of steel pipe, fittings and flanges, has filled three key positions with in-house talent. Kevin Koehler, who has served as the company’s executive vice president since 2012, will move into the role of managing director. Matt Danis, who joined the company in 2009, will move from his role as COO into a position as managing director. Mr Danis will also remain the CFO.

“I am pleased to announce the promotion of these three leaders. They

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