Innovation an 'asset' in Welsh Water Alliance project

• A leading water management solutions provider was recently selected as a supply chain partner in the Dwr Cymru Welsh Water's £1.2billion investment Asset Management Program 4 (AMP 4)

GLAMORGAN, WALES, May 25, 2007 -- Part of Dwr Cymru Welsh Water's nationwide five-year scheme to improve and maintain water infrastructure (until 2010), the £630k project marked the first time Newport-based Asset International has worked alongside the two strategic partners of the Dwr Cymru Welsh Water South-East Wales Alliance.

The partners -- project management company AMEC, and design consultants Arup -- utilized Asset's bespoke manufactured solution, LiteSpeed, in a residential project in Ebbw Vale, as part of improvements to the wastewater system.

Fabricated primarily out of Asset's Weholite, High Density Polyethelyne (HDPE) pipe system fitted with a Hydro International Static Screen, the LiteSpeed product replaced two existing Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) chambers, which were identified for improvement to meet current environmental legislation.

Designed by Arup, the innovative Weholite product was deemed the best option: "The strength of the Weholite pipe, coupled with the natural flexibility of its HDPE composition, is a real benefit in terms of design and installation," explained Nathan Walding, a recently employed civil engineering graduate from Cardiff University.

Walding, who has specialized in Water Engineering since graduation, commented on the benefits of using the innovative product and continued: "Asset offered the complete solution -- which incorporated a range of diameter pipe sizes, as well as a diverse range of sewer screens. This is something many pipe system manufacturers are simply not able to offer."

The modular pipe was also endorsed by AMEC, which favored the product in this particular project, as the chambers could be manufactured off-site and installed quickly. This subsequently reduced the environmental impact on the surrounding community, whilst also minimizing the health and safety risk on-site.

Simon Fisher, Catchment Agent for AMEC, explained: "We explored various types of modular systems, ranging from in-situ reinforced concrete, pre-cast concrete, and fabricated steel. At this particular location, the Asset Litespeed chamber was deemed suitable for the hydraulics of the wastewater network and also offered significant time savings. It's a very dynamic product."

Simon Thomas, Director of Asset International commented on Dwr Cymru Welsh Water's increased use of innovative modular systems, compared with more traditional alternatives: "It's encouraging to see Welsh Water opting for innovative products, such as Weholite in AMP 4 projects, as they offer flexibility, efficiency as well as cost and time savings -- elements invaluable to the construction industry.

"We are delighted to be working in partnership with both AMEC and Arup under the Welsh Water Asset Management Alliance -- it's a great step forward for Asset in the water industry in Wales."

Weholite, exploits an advanced technology polyethylene material and is used primarily in water infrastructure projects across the UK. It is recognized as a lightweight, durable, easy to install and abrasion-resistant product tolerant of ground movements.

Asset International Ltd manufactures a range of advanced technology polyethylene drainage pipes at its facility in Newport in South Wales. Part of Hill & Smith Holdings plc, the company has exclusive UK and Ireland rights to manufacture the Weholite range of structured wall pipe. Weholite was first developed in Finland and is recognized as a lightweight, durable, easy to install and abrasion-resistant product that is tolerant of ground movements. It is manufactured in internal diameters from 400mm to 3000mm. The low pressure-high technology pipe offers the construction and water industries a low overall cost solution across a range of applications, including surface drainage, foul sewers, inter-process pipe work, culverts, attenuation tanks, ducting and outfalls.

AMEC plc is an international project management and services company that designs, delivers and supports infrastructure assets for customers across the public and private sectors. AMEC employs more than 20,000 people working from a network of offices throughout the UK, US and Canada, as well as regional offices and projects worldwide. AMEC's shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange where the company is listed in the Support Services sector (LSE: AMEC.L).

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Also see:
-- "Gayton benefits from investment by Welsh Water"
-- "Utility company's investment earns Prestatyn its Blue Flag back"
-- "Utility company's investment earns Holyhead Marina its first Blue Flag"

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