Fluid management solutions provider, Durapipe is celebrating 70 years of delivering innovative products that have shaped the industry.
Durapipe, part of the Aliaxis UK portfolio, provides solutions across building services and industrial applications.
Here five colleagues, who have clocked up more than 150 years between them with Durapipe, give an insight into its history and what the future might hold.
What is Durapipe’s lasting legacy?
James: I’d say for customers to be still talking about Durapipe is testament to its legacy. We certainly punch above our weight for innovation and bringing new products to market, and have a reputation for that. Having a full-time chemist allows us to provide bespoke advice, as well as carry out long-term testing.
Robert: It was definitely groundbreaking when Durapipe products came in - a pipe that was lighter, more portable and easier to create a joint, than products available at the time.
Dawn Jackson: It’s the brand name. Durapipe is still here and we still have good quality pipes, fittings and valves.
Rob: I think there is a teamwork / customer care approach at Durapipe that is a differentiator over price. Many of the team are long-serving people keen to help each other and the customer.
Where do you see Durapipe in 2050, the year the UK aims to be net zero?
Robert: Some of our products have got a 50-year guarantee, so in 2050, they will still be underground, doing a great job.
James: The part we might play could be to utilise more recycled material, through a buy-back scheme, proving plastic pipework can be part of a complete circle economy.
Rob: I see a need for all sites to use sustainable power while solutions for the customer could include the use of new bio resins /recycled materials / products with a lower carbon footprint and more dual contained pipe solutions to protect the environment.
What is your proudest achievement at Durapipe?
Robert: I started off in such a great environment at Durapipe that it created such loyalty that I want the brand to keep going for all the great people who have put so much into it over the years. So I am proud to be celebrating its anniversary.
Rob: Innovation and product development always involves bringing new products to market so over the years there have been quite a few - more recently it would be the One-Weld Electrofusion PLX elbows and couplers.
Dawn Jackson: I’m proud to work for a company that I started with, have grown with, and it’s still a name that people know. I think having had 43 years with the company, it is a testament to the brand, colleagues, and our customers.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining the industry?
Dawn Pearce: There will always be a need for sustainable infrastructure and industrial solutions, so it’s a great industry to be part of.
Robert: It’s a challenge to attract school leavers, but there’s a lot of interesting technology coming, such as AI, automation and robotics, as well as onsite roles and technical support. The company will invest in training, so if you have the right mindset, you can really grow.
We are building a business to tackle the world's water and clean energy challenges. So one reason to join this industry is that we are heavily invested and contributing toward sustainability and how to protect this planet of ours.
Innovation has always been the key to Durapipe's long-standing success and it seems, innovation and problem-solving will remain the key to its next 70 years.
Aliaxis Employee Bios
Dawn Jackson
Dawn has worked for Durapipe for 43 years, starting as an office junior and working up to Customer Services Manager - Customer Aftercare
Rob Millett
Rob has been with the company for 39 years and is now Innovation Manager
Robert Matthews
After 28 years, Rob is now Head of Health & Safety for EMEA
Dawn Pearce
Dawn has been with the company for 28 years, starting as a temp and working up to Customer Services Manager - Customer Aftercare
James Roper
James has been in the industry for 17 years and is now Head of Product Portfolio.