Steve Carter, Specification Manager for Polypipe Water Management Solutions (WMS) discusses product specifications.
How have recent flooding events changed the
specification of SUDS products?
Since the UK experienced significant flooding in 2007, the issue of
controlling excess surface water has been on the agenda. For example, the
Water Framework Directive is starting to make an impact, although many
consultants are unsure of how this will affect the market. People are
picking up the relevant information from their industry, so they’re asking
for clarification. Ultimately, there is a thirst for knowledge in the market
and as an experienced manufacturer we can help to fill that gap.
What market developments do you believe will
create the opportunities for the specification of
SUDS products?
For a number of years the focus has been on storing excess surface water
run-off. The industry is fairly up to date on this, but the next challenge is
dealing with water quality and we could see a knowledge gap appear in
the market as people need to develop an understanding of the legislative
requirements. The Floods and Water Management Act and WFD will
undoubtedly lead to further opportunities for SUDS, although the focus at
the moment appears to be on above ground ‘soft’ solutions and there
needs to be more promotion of engineered, below ground systems.
How can manufacturers add value to
potential customers?
A broad portfolio of products is a definite advantage as you can provide
the most appropriate solution to meet the requirements of a project using
a holistic approach. For example, we offer the widest range of water
management and SUDS products from attenuation and soakaway using
large diameter pipe or modular cells, to rainwater harvesting systems and
stormwater treatment. Bespoke products such as catchpits and manholes are a vital element as standard products may not meet the requirements
of some challenging projects. Our in-house Fabrications Team works closely
with our Technical Engineers to manufacture bespoke products off-site,
which are then delivered to the project ready to install.
Is there enough focus on the whole project cost?
The perception that people are tuned in to the idea of ‘whole project’ cost
can sometimes be different from the reality. There can often be a
disconnect between the buyer and the person responsible for installing the
product, so there is a need to understand the consequences of specifying
certain products. By focussing on unit costs, other savings across areas such
as less requirement for heavy plant and reduced installation times can often
be missed. Projects rarely run over budget due to product unit costs, it’s
typically because the job has taken longer to complete, so any area where
time on-site can be saved should always be considered.
Are there any myths surrounding the specification
of plastic products?
It’s fair to say that people will always have a preference, but the benefits of
plastic over rigid materials such as concrete are clear – quicker and easier
to install, handle and store, with less requirement for heavy plant on-site
and no need for on-site construction. People need to get around the idea
of product manufacturers only being interested in the hard sell. We are
often at the forefront of changes and best practice within an industry and
can call upon technical experts who can help both consultants and
contractors. For example, we completed a scheme recently where the
contractor was originally only interested in using concrete manholes. We
recommended they bought one plastic manhole and then speak to his
installation team to get their feedback. The feedback from the installation
team was so positive, that the contractor now only uses plastic manholes.
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