Birkenhead's V&A Hydraulics completes Victrex project

Merseyside firm V&A Hydraulics has finished working on a system-cleaning project at the Lancashire base of Victrex, one of the largest polymer manufacturers in the UK.

V&A, the specialist pipework installation firm based in Birkenhead, provided a flushing service for a manufacturing system as part of an upgrade at Victrex’s production facility in Thornton-Cleveleys.

According to Vic Seddon, the managing director of V&A Hydraulics, system flushing is important in the preparation of new pipework within manufacturing operations, in addition to supporting system repair and maintenance.

Vic explained: “We deployed three of our highly trained hydraulics engineers to deliver an intensive flushing exercise for new systems at Victrex.

“The project essentially involved flushing out new pipework which links to a power unit. The pipework plays a role in the operation of ancillary machinery including pumps, valves and cylinders within the polymer casting line.”

The project comes as part of V&A’s ambitions to grow beyond the marine sector in which it predominantly works. The firm, which currently has a £1m turnover, hopes to expand in the manufacturing, industrial and automotive sectors, among others.

Vic continued: “In an industry where it is difficult to find skilled workers [our] depth of expertise gives us a real competitive edge and a strong reputation in the industry.

“Historic industry knowledge is crucially important in our trade because a great deal of hydraulics systems and equipment is aging and dates back decades.”

He added: “This is especially true on board ships, where we typically find most vessels we work are on average around 15 to 20 years old.”