NEWSDESK
drain TRADER
Continuing the vital pipe supply chain for utilities D
uring these unprecedented times, maintaining a robust supply chain for all
the utilities is essential, but often goes unnoticed by the general public. Continuity and safe supply are vital for the normal functioning of theUK utility network, and ongoing routinemaintenance aswell as emergency repairs help ensure an uninterrupted power andwater supply source available 24/
7.This applies to both thewater and sewerage networks aswell as to gas and electricity supplies. UK plastic pressure and non-pressure pipe manufacturers have a key role to play in this, and as part of an important supply chain have adapted quickly fromthe initial lockdown shock to continue delivering a level of service whichminimises risk to the utility sector. Plastic pipe suppliers say they arewell- prepared and able to provide the robustness that utilities need in the current climate by maintaining their own internal supply chain via forward planning and riskmanagement through to instigating appropriate social distancingmeasures and safeworking practices for those in themanufacturing, administration and distribution areas. AsCarolineAyres, BPF PipesGroupDirector commented:“Ourmembers have been working hard to ensure the supply chain for utilities continues to remain safe and secure, so that products required for emergencywork in every utility sector aswell as routine construction andmaintenance are always available.” Major scheduled utility infrastructure projects are continuing to some extent,whereworker safety can be ensured, and the recent lighter volumes of road traffic have helped in this. Pipe supplies are continuing to be provided, with operators adhering to strict social distancing rules. Factorieswhere pipematerials and fittings are manufactured aremaintaining a level of production to ensure that the supply chain for essentialwork and emergencies is not broken. The support roles they are playing are vital to keep utilities able to function as close to normal as possible. Regarding site deliveries for example, pipe suppliers are photographing delivered items alongside amember of the contractor teamas no signatures are currently possible, thus supporting newways of working around social distancing protocols. Builders’merchants have different procedures
for accepting deliveries and these are also being compliedwith by pipemanufacturers. All sensible and appropriate safetymeasures
are being taken. But asmost of the supplying manufacturers areUK based, they have quickly adapted and developed amore agile way ofworkingwith flexibility of stock inventories and staffat regional depots. This means there is no impact on the relevant utility or ultimately, the end customer because of the localised aspects of supply, adapting and changing to the differing customer needs. As there still remains uncertainty as towhen and howthe lockdownwill be eased, it is essential that the flexible approach adopted
byUK pipemanufacturers continues to reflect the ever changing landscape of the current situation in order to support the utility sectors, something BPF PipesGroup members are continuing to do. This is why it is essential that the utility supply chain remains stable, and BPF PipesGroup members are continuing to provide an important service. The BPF PipesGroup provides several guidance documents on a variety of pipe- related subjects,which can be downloaded at https://
www.bpfpipesgroup.com/support- downloads/specification-guidance/
NewGeneralManager joins the S1ETeam S
ourceOne Environmental has announced that ScottMcMurray has joined the S1E
Teamin the role of GeneralManager. Scott took up the position fromthe beginning of June. Scott hasmany years’experiencewithin the drainage industry, including senior roles within S1E’s sister company Flexseal. “We’re delighted that Scott has brought his wealth of experience to the growing S1E Team,”stated S1EMD,GlennCartledge. “Scott’s skillswill complement those of our otherwell-established teammembers and his industry knowledgewill help the company continue tomove forward.”
74 drain TRADER | July 2020 |
www.draintraderltd.com
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