TPi November 2016

Pipeline inspection

Robotic innovation sparks growth Ant Hire, a UK supplier of specialist testing and construction equipment to the water industry, has announced an expansion of its business and services fuelled by the commercial success of its technology-led robotics and pressure testing divisions. and pressure testing divisions, which has meant we needed to grow to keep pace with demand. At Ant Hire we aim to provide our customers involved in drainage and clean water networks with an excellent service, and the new space and additions to the team will enable us to offer a one-stop shop for products, advice and technical support to get the job done and to make things simpler for customers.”

Mr Scott will lead all sales activity for the business and will oversee the launch of new prototype equipment in both the pressure testing and robotics divisions. The new head office involved a capital investment of more than £350,000, and the new space will enable the business to expand its core teams to support growth and to enhance the customer experience. The new site will also be home to Ant Hire’s research and development division.

The expansion of the specialist divisions is the first phase of a growth strategy that aims to increase turnover from £4mn to £10mn in the next five years and create a number of new job opportunities. Ant Hire provides pressure testing solutions and specialist robotic inspection systems to large contractors and water companies across the UK, including Yorkshire Water, Thames Water, Kier, Lumsden & Carroll and JN Bentley. The company has its own research and development team based in Leeds, which has led to a number of design patents and inventions. These include the ‘Ten Minute Test’ – a water pressure testing system that reduces the time required to check for leaks and reduces water company reconnection times – and the development of bespoke robotic camera systems now used by the nuclear industry. Ant Hire managing partner Adrian Thompson said, “Ant Hire has always been a well-known name in the water supply industry but we’ve recently seen a huge increase in new business enquiries, particularly in our robotics

As part of its recent growth, Ant Hire appointed Antony Scott as director. With more than ten years working in senior roles within the drainage industry,

ant Hire solutions – UK www.anthire.co.uk

Ant Hire Solutions director Antony Scott

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