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MITT Project Allows Antlia Services to Provide New Offering

Wed, 27 April, 2022

Middlesbrough-based pump servicing, repair, maintenance and spares company, Antlia Services have been able to introduce a new service following technical support in plastic welding provided as part of the Materials Integrity Technology Transfer (MITT) project.

TWI manages the MITT project, a programme providing free technical support specifically for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the Tees Valley region.

The programme aims to support growth by delivering tailored support to help businesses overcome technology engineering challenges in day-to-day operations, as well as longer-term development of new products, processes and services.

The Challenge

A client of Antlia Services had enquired about the fabrication of a plastic tank to line a stainless steel vessel located below ground level.

This would require an upskilling of staff in plastics welding on anything other than pipe welding which is an existing skill set, including an appreciation of the required capabilities and equipment, allowing Antlia Services to grow their business by moving into a new area of manufacture.

Delivery

TWI’s plastics welding expert, Andy Knight delivered knowledge transfer sessions to four members of Antlia Services’ staff, including two apprentices.

The sessions included the welding processes required to fabricate a plastic tank, detailing how the tank would need to be manufactured in two halves and joined below ground once located correctly in an outer stainless steel tank.

Andy crafted a tailored support package whereby theoretical sessions provided an understanding of engineering plastic materials, along with the associated equipment and nozzle designs. These were complimented by practical upskilling sessions, which taught basic welding on sheet materials before introducing various joint designs associated with fabricating the tank.

Each of the trainees showed excellent aptitude for the practical welding and the apprentices were also able to seek expert advice during the sessions.

Due to the skills shown during the practical sessions, Antlia Services’ two non-apprentice trainees were put forward to attain CSWIP Plastic Welder certification, which would provide invaluable knowledge for fabricating the plastic lining tank, as well as opening up the potential for other future plastic fabrication work.

Both CSWIP trainees went on to pass their certification in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 13067: Qualification Testing of Plastic Welders. This achievement exceeded the initial expected objectives of Antlia Services, while TWI also offered advice on the equipment required for plastic fabrication work.

Outcomes

We are delighted to report that the free knowledge transfer sessions have enabled Antlia to expand their services to include plastics fabrication and repair. Not only has this helped to safeguard jobs at Antlia Services, but also strengthen the business to look ahead with optimism for sustainable growth.

Speaking on the sessions, Antlia Services’ managing director, John Coverdale said, “We were able to immediately implement everything from the knowledge transfer sessions. We have transferred the new capability into a viable new service offering, which has added value to our overall business.”

He added, “The new capability has allowed us to bring a service in-house which was previously outsourced. Benefits include new contracts, but also strengthening the overall company value offering. For instance, having this capability enables us to conduct repairs on call, rather than arranging contractors, thereby speeding up overall resolution to the client.”

Find Out More

If you are interested in finding out more about MITT and how it can help your business, please contact sarah.mccarthy@twi.co.uk or telephone the TWI Technology and Training Centre North East, Middlesbrough on 01642 216320.

 

The Materials Integrity Technology Transfer (MITT) project is part of the Tees Valley Centre for Materials Integrity Programme, which is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020) and Tees Valley Combined Authority.