A framework for the supply of electric actuators has been won by AUMA Actuators Limited following a competitive tendering process issued by water and wastewater services provider United Utilities.
AUMA’s new framework covers provision for the supply of a wide range of electric actuators, as well as technical and telephone support, and training.
Paul Hopkins, Managing Director, AUMA UK, said:
“AUMA Actuators Limited has built a strong relationship with United Utilities over the last few years, having previously been awarded a long-term framework for actuator service and repair. As part of the global AUMA Group, we are able to leverage our strong European manufacturing and logistics capabilities, combined with our comprehensive local component stockholding, to provide fast turnaround on the supply of a wide range of electric actuators.”
AUMA’s extensive range of high performance actuators is designed using a modular approach to actuator components. Actuators can be quickly combined to provide a bespoke actuator assembly constructed to the exact requirements of applications.
John Heselwood, Technical Sales Engineer, is Northern Sales Representative for AUMA Actuators Limited, working with United Utilities. He said:
“This comprehensive framework is all about the supply and delivery of our wide range of electric actuators to support United Utilities’ engineers whenever and wherever there is a need.
“AUMA has demonstrated its considerable technical capability and competence, in terms of disconnecting and removing actuators from valves and penstocks. This, combined with our expertise in both on and off-site repair, and reinstallation, testing and commissioning makes the company an aligned partner in this important supply framework.”
Earlier this year, AUMA added Southern Water to its growing list of successful frameworks with major UK water companies. The new framework agreement will see AUMA deploy its new and unique process to service, maintain and replace a range of actuators across the entire Southern Water region, which covers almost 4,450km2.
Michael Upcraft is Southern Water’s Framework Manager. He said:
“With a 13,929 kilometre network of pipes and 205 service reservoirs, Southern Water delivers a continuous supply of clean water to our customers. Our 39,808 kilometres of sewers and 3,321 pumping stations collect wastewater from our customers’ homes and businesses and from outside drains.
“AUMA’s capacity to source and supply its comprehensive range of high quality, high performance electric actuators and critical spare parts from within the EU is a major benefit to us. It means we are able to respond quickly, serving people and businesses throughout our supply region.”
As part of the new framework agreement, Southern Water now has access to AUMA’s unique ‘rapid response’ service to replace both AUMA and other manufacturers’ equipment, as well as a ‘replacement in advance’ for critical actuators.
AUMA is creating a unique online Southern Water Knowledge Base, which will be accessible to all registered Southern Water engineers and technicians. This will provide 24/7/365 access to essential information, video tutorials and technical information. In addition, AUMA has introduced a number of innovations – from reducing its environmental impact through the use of sustainable packaging, to improving health and safety by reducing time on site undertaking repairs.
AUMA is also providing full training to Southern Water maintenance staff via its AUMA Certified Engineering (ACE) training. Delivered on-site, on-line or in AUMA’s dedicated training suite at its head office in Clevedon, Somerset, ACE is a structured programme that trains technicians to install, operate, maintain and troubleshoot AUMA actuators, meeting asset management obligations to maintain equipment in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Accredited ACE Technicians are provided with ID cards to prove their level of competency.
