Robotic tech sparks growth period for Leeds water industry supplier

Leeds-based Ant Hire, a supplier of specialist testing and construction equipment to the water industry, is set to expand its business and services following the commercial success of its robotics and pressure testing divisions.

The expansion of the specialist divisions is the first phase of a growth strategy that will increase turnover from £4m to £10m in the next five years, and create a number of new job opportunities.

Ant Hire Solutions provides pressure testing solutions and specialist robotic inspection systems to large contractors and water companies across the country including Yorkshire Water, Thames Water, Kier, Lumsden & Carroll and JN Bentley.

Ant Hire has its own research and development team based in Leeds which has led to a number of design patents and inventions.

These include developing the ‘Ten Minute Test’, a water pressure testing system which has reduced the time required to check for leaks, reducing water company reconnection times and developing bespoke robotic camera systems now used by the nuclear industry.

Adrian Thompson, Ant Hire managing partner, said: “Ant Hire has always been a well known name in the water supply industry but we’ve recently seen a huge increase in new business enquiries, particularly in our robotics and pressure testing divisions which has meant we needed to grow to keep pace with demand.

“At Ant Hire we aim to provide our customers involved in drainage and clean water networks with an excellent service and the new space and additions to the team will enable us to offer a one-stop shop for products, advice and technical support to get the job done and to make things simpler for customers.”

Due to this growth period, Ant Hire has appointed director Antony Scott. With more than 10 years working in senior roles within the drainage industry, Antony will lead all sales activity for the business and will oversee the launch of new prototype equipment in both the pressure testing and robotics divisions.

Antony Scott, Ant Hire solutions director, added: “I am very pleased to be joining Ant Hire at such an exciting time for the business as we move into new larger premises and expand and develop our range of products and services.

“What attracted me to Ant Hire was the high level of engineering knowledge and expertise within the business, the very high levels of customer satisfaction and the sheer potential for growth in the coming years.”

The new head office involved a capital investment of more than £350k and the new space will enable the business to expand its core teams.