Flexitallic expands Aberdeen base to meet the demand for bolted joint integrity expertise from offshore oil & gas industry
Flexitallic, the global leader and manufacturer of static sealing solutions, has expanded its operations in Aberdeen, moving into larger premises to provide increased support to its growing North East client base.
From its new 4,600 sq ft base at the Wellheads Industrial Estate, Flexitallic is expanding its gasket stockholding and workshop capabilities, as well as hosting a dedicated Bolted Joint Integrity Training Facility.
The move has been facilitated by demand from offshore oil & gas clients, in particular, Operators and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), which are increasingly calling upon Flexitallic’s bolted joint integrity expertise, preferring to work directly with the manufacturer instead of distributors.
Flexitallic works in close collaboration with these organisations to deliver bespoke solutions to challenges including corrosion, high-temperature applications, fire safety, fugitive emissions, and the impact of temperature changes across critical equipment connections.
Part of the global Flexitallic Group, the expanded Aberdeen operation is part of a network of branches in industry-focused locations including Teesside, Merseyside and South West, along with its UK headquarters and manufacturing base in West Yorkshire.
The branches act as the distribution arm for Flexitallic’s sealing solutions, including its comprehensive range of gaskets designed and manufactured to meet the requirements and safety-focused operations of sectors such as oil & gas.
In addition to its expanded stockholding, the new branch also provides 24/7 access to commercial and technical support and complimentary delivery service for its clients across Aberdeen.
Supporting its product range is Flexitallic’s extensive technical expertise, which is utilised to provide expert advice and training to its clients. The Aberdeen branch will host workshops, industry discussions, Flange Management & Bolted Joint Integrity Calculation Software demonstrations, as well as specialist training using its Flange Assembly Demonstration Unit (FADU) and ECITB Accredited Training rigs encompassing various gasket specifications and tightening methods.
Providing hands-on, practical bolt tightening scenarios, the FADU is a vocational training and assessment system replicating industry scenarios, which supports the development of engineers involved in flange assembly, pipeline integrity and hazardous areas.
The Aberdeen branch is operated by a team of joint integrity professionals experienced in the local oil & gas sector. Among them is an Applications Team, which works closely with clients on a range of specialist bolted joint integrity projects including design reviews, gasket redesigns and industry compliance to standards such as EN1591-1 & ASME PCC1 2019.
Sam Bradley, UK Sales Director at Flexitallic said: “The demand for our industrial gaskets and sealing solutions has led to the need to expand our operations in Aberdeen, enabling Flexitallic to provide a more comprehensive bolted joint integrity service to our growing client base. Our clients share our view that gaskets are more than a commodity item and want a supplier that can provide technical expertise, support and training alongside innovative products.
“Our new larger branch enables Flexitallic to better serve the Aberdeen market and work with clients to find fit for purpose solutions to issues such as corrosion, and thermal cycling of equipment. We can also provide a range of bolted joint integrity training and demonstrations in our new dedicated training suite, which further supports our clients’ preference to work directly with a manufacturer that has a broad and expert understanding of bolted joint integrity.”
Published: 12-02-2020
