WATER TREATMENT, DRAINAGE & PIPED SERVICES
Record-time piping system installation at Manchester’s newest office block
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Victaulic, a specialist in mechanical pipe joining, has played a key role with its innovative solutions in the development of Plot 9A, a cutting-edge 10-storey office block located on First Street in Manchester, UK
he project, managed by main contractor BAM, building services specialists Briggs & Forrester and subcontracted to WHB, highlights the contribution of Victaulic products to the efficiency,
sustainability, and safety of the build in the heart of the city.
Plot 9A is set to be fully operational in 2025 and
Victaulic was involved from the early stages of construction, having already established a strong relationship with WHB. “We knew in advance that WHB would want to use Victaulic couplings, fittings, and valves for its work at Plot 9A,” says Jonathan Hodgeon, sales engineer at Victaulic. “We joined the project in mid-2024, working closely with WHB to provide a quick, reliable, and flame-free installation solution for both the heating and chilled pipework systems in the building.”
Efficiency and safety in focus
Victaulic supplied a variety of solutions to WHB, including its new QuickVic™ V-range fittings, which were used on a Manchester project for the first time. These fittings are light and easy to install, significantly reducing material handling and installation time. “The QuickVic system allows for faster and more hassle-free installation,” explains Jonathan. “With our pre-grooved fittings and valves, contractors simply need to groove the pipe, install the coupling, and tighten the two nuts and bolts on the coupling, making the process much quicker and safer.” Victaulic solutions employed at Plot 9A include QuickVic Style 107V rigid couplings, QuickVic Style 177 flexible couplings, QuickVic V Range fittings, butterfly valves, and strainers. Victaulic grooved piping solutions are known for offering flame-free installation, contributing to safer working conditions on-site. By eliminating the need for flanging and welding, Victaulic solutions offer a fast and simple alternative that minimises labour time. Straightforward installation also allows the use of local labour without requiring specialised training. “WHB completed the entire pipework in record time, which would have taken much longer with flame-based joining methods,” says Jonathan. “In fact, the use of this advanced technology enabled WHB to complete the pipework at Plot 9A in just two months.”
With the Victaulic system, the ends of pipes
are grooved and then joined together with a mechanical coupling fastened by two bolts for quick and simple installation.
A trusted partner
WHB has been operating for 20 years and works on various construction projects across north- west England. WHB previously relied heavily on welding but now increasingly uses Victaulic systems, which offer speed, ease of installation, and safety benefits, due to no hot work permits required. Addressing not just engineering challenges but also meeting business needs related to cost and project timelines, the grooved pipe joining system is said to be up to 10 times faster than flame-based methods, making it the useful choice for mechanical engineers and contractors. Ian Waller, company director at WHB said: “Victaulic’s quick installation has proven to be
crucial for meeting tight construction deadlines. We have used their products on many of our large projects, such as in construction work on Deansgate in Manchester city centre, at the extension of Northwich Infirmary, and of course at Plot 9A. “We place a lot of importance on flexibility, durability, and aftersales support, and this is why we value our partnership.”
A commitment to sustainability
Victaulic’s proximity to markets and the ability to ship more prefabricated grooved spools per truck compared to welded spools, reduces both site deliveries and transportation emissions. Sustainability was a critical factor in the Plot 9A project, having been designed with eco- friendly features and has earned a 5.5-star NABERS rating, meeting the highest standards in environmental performance.
“Sustainability is at the heart of everything
Victaulic does,” says Jonathan. “Our products are made of up to 98% recycled materials, allow for infinitely reconfigurable piping systems as building needs change over time, and are recyclable at end-of-life, ensuring they contribute to both immediate and long-term sustainability goals. “Our products fit seamlessly into the project’s Net Zero goals, and Plot 9A serves as an excellent example of how Victaulic can assist similar future builds aiming for sustainability.” Victaulic couplings can be removed without damage to the coupling or pipes and be reused to accommodate piping system reconfiguration or expansion as building needs change in the future.
“It’s crazy how durable the system is,” says Ian. “From a maintenance point-of- view, everything’s demountable. It’s very maintainable and you can make changes to the system very easily. And in regard to our personal relationship with Victaulic, the support is always in place, whenever you need.” “We have a really good relationship with WHB,” adds Jonathan. “They’ve used Victaulic now for a number of years and across multiple contracts. They are experts in the building services field and use Victaulic as their go-to solution. “It really is a go-to system for a quick, easy, hassle-free installation as well as long-term maintainability and sustainability.”
16 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER APRIL 2025 Read the latest at:
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