Since the launch of our Pump Services department last year, we have continued to invest in our pump facilities and importantly, our people, to continue to provide efficient solutions for our customers. Our Pump Services team has grown substantially in a short space of time, moving from just one to over 10, with added support from engineers across the business.
Our current core pumps team is comprised of fitters, engineers and team leaders that together play a vital role in delivering jobs to a high standard and on time. Additionally, we boast a team of four pump apprentices which have between one and three years’ experience each and will play an important part in the future of the pumps business.
Other integral team members that play a vital role in delivering our pump services are our Design Draftsman and Pumps Administrator. With over 17 years’ experience as a Design Draftsman, Dave Curry has considerable experience in utilising CAD software to design, draw and model pump equipment and components. Creating 3D digital prototypes so products can be visualised and tested before manufacture and reverse engineering pumps and components to improve performance and combat obsolescence further boost our pump capabilities. By bringing together this range of talent, we have the knowledge and experience that has allowed us to work with customers regionally and nationally to support their pump requirements.
Led by Brian Tait, with over 36 years’ experience specialising in this field, and team leader Liam Cook, the team recently carried out an overhaul and refurbishment of a failed Flowserve 3 stage submersible borehole pump and a specialised rewind of an associated 3.3 kV motor, enabling Northumbrian Water to meet customer water demand.
In another example, the team helped improve the efficiency and underperformance of a Weir vertical raw water pump, also for Northumbrian Water. A full repair was carried out with some elements being reverse engineered using CAD software and manufactured in-house. We also overhauled of the 3.3kV motor that drove the pump, providing a complete service.
Expertise from across the wider business has allowed the pumps team to offer an all-encompassing solution for the whole pump and motor set. Customers such as Northumbrian Water are presented with multiple benefits including increased quality assurance as a result of consistent workmanship, the ability to fully test the whole system prior to install and improved project management.
With a growing headcount and a flurry of incoming jobs ranging from small standard overhauls to more complex repairs, the Pump Services department has helped many customers extend the life of their pumps and associated ancillaries. In addition, Houghton International has recently become a full member of the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA). Membership of the BPMA allows Houghton International to be recognised as an approved supplier and in turn makes it easier for companies with pump enquiries to proceed with their projects quicker.
Brian Tait, Head of Pump Services at Houghton International, commented: “Since joining Houghton International in 2018, I am encouraged to see the rapid growth of the Pump Services department. The investments made in our facilities have allowed us to further advance our pump repair offering and the expansion of the team, by several key appointments, has given us the opportunity to work on an array of large scale projects for key customers. As the department continues to grow, our Pump Services team will continue to provide the high level of service that our customers expect from us.”
If you require any further information, please contact us on +44 (0)191 234 3000 or email us at info@houghton-international.com, where we will be happy to discuss your pump needs.
