AUMA Actuators Secures Framework with Southern Water

Published: 3rd June 2024 | Issue 92

AUMA Actuators Limited (AUMA UK), a world leader in electric valve actuation technology, has added Southern Water to its growing list of successful frameworks with major UK water companies.

Southern Water provides essential water services to 2.5 million customers and wastewater services to more than 4.7 million customers across Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 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.

Paul Hopkins is AUMA UK’s Managing Director. He says: “Southern Water constantly monitors its water and wastewater sites and networks, conducting maintenance and developing new infrastructure where necessary. We have built a close and positive relationship with the company, which has resulted in securing our framework with this important water utility.

“The water company plays a critical role that goes beyond providing an essential public service. It aims to help tackle the climate emergency, support the communities it serves and contribute to the growth of the south west’s regional economy. It is great to be part of that journey.”

Southern Water aims to maximise the availability of actuated valve operations throughout its region. The size and operating parameters of each installation varies, with a wide combination of actuators, controls and drive couplings required to be available at short notice. 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.

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.