Vortex Valves Europe is moving on up
11 March 2009
A move to larger headquarters has followed a year of growth for dry bulk solids handling company Vortex Valves Europe. It will retain its UK presence in Darlington but now operates from a new facility with twice the capacity.
Since launching its European hub in 2006, US-based valve manufacturer Vortex says it has seen the operation make steady sales gains, particularly in UK and Ireland. By the end of 2008, trading arrangements were in place in The Netherlands, Italy, Poland and Greece. Business in Asia and The Middle East is also handled from Darlington. This year the company is confident of adding to the roll of mainland distributors.
European Managing Director, Jon Naylor, takes a measured view of progress: “From what was virtually a cold start in Europe, establishing Vortex products here was always going to be a steady process. The market is not geared to a sudden influx of new valves but we have a key advantage in that our range is based on award-winning designs that stand out from others. It is our belief many existing dry bulk solids handling valves are over-engineered, often deriving from high pressure valve design and heavy construction that adds cost and difficulties for both installation and maintenance.“
The company’s flagship valve designs are named ‘Quantum’. Unlike a conventional cast-bodied valve, the Quantum Orifice Slide Gate, for example, is constructed from just 12 lightweight components, simplifying its construction and maintenance.
The main body has two stainless steel flanges, formed by the latest cutting and press break technology that cut the component production phase of manufacture from a week to just a couple of hours. As a result, lead times, including shipping, are unrivalled in the industry.
The blade and seal design allows the valve to self-clean on the opening stroke. This prevents material from packing on the internal seals. In addition the hard polymer seals are protected from blast abrasion, compensate for wear and are easily maintained with the valve still in-line.
Photograph: Jon Naylor, European Managing Director
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