News

Nov 07, 2023

Flexitallic UK launches new product line following appointment of industry specialist

October 10, 2022Tees Business CorrespondentMiddlesbrough0 Gasket and sealing

October 10, 2022Tees Business CorrespondentMiddlesbrough0

Gasket and sealing solutions specialist Flexitallic UK has seen an immediate impact from a new product line following the recruitment of Teesside industry specialist Garry Yarker.

With more than 16 years’ experience in the manufacture and production of spectacle plates, slip plates and spacer rings, he will now direct the expansion of the company's capabilities within this market.

Garry has been appointed Flexitallic's product manager for slip plates, spectacle plates and special flanges, and is based at its North East Service Centre in Middlesbrough.

The safety devices, which are installed between pipe flanges and provide flexibility during repairs and scheduled maintenance, are largely used in the oil and gas, petrochemicals, offshore and water treatment sectors.

Spectacle plates comprise a solid disc connected to a ring disc and once fitted, can be rotated to either block the flow of product within a pipeline section or rotated to allow flow.

Slip plates, consisting of a solid disc with a "handle", are used to safely isolate a section of pipeline from an operational system, while spacer rings are inserted to show that the flow is open.

Made of corrosion-resistant metal, carbon steel, stainless steel or duplex, they are available in a variety of sizes and pressure ratings and are 3.1 certified.

Currently produced at Flexitallic's UK's manufacturing facility in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, the company is considering making an additional investment in the Middlesbrough site to create additional fabrication facilities.

Sam Bradley, UK sales director at Flexitallic, said: "Flexitallic is committed to helping its customers operate their process plant safely and efficiently. The addition of slip and spectacle plates, along with other machined metallic components, allows us to enhance our offer.

"Garry was specifically recruited to launch this new product line and his considerable experience and knowledge of the product, both in manufacturing and operational installation, improves the technical offering Flexitallic provides.

"This not only provides an additional service to both established and new customers across the UK but, given the level of interest, I’m confident it will quickly develop into an important new income stream."

Garry has worked within the sealing industry for almost 30 years, starting as a gasket technician and later progressing to cutting gaskets on site during maintenance shutdowns at Teesside's petrochemical sites.

He said: "I’m fortunate to have gained experience across multiple aspects relating to both slip plate and gaskets. I’ve had the opportunity to support customers with identification, measurement, design and manufacture of gaskets and slip plates, both on-site as well as in-house.

"I also have extensive knowledge of industry specifications but understand the ultimate importance that materials must be manufactured to high standards and delivered on time. I’m delighted to bring this expertise to Flexitallic UK."

Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston officially opened the North East Service Centre in June after Flexitallic moved its operations to the larger 650-sq m facility on Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park.

The additional space has allowed the company to expand its capabilities to design and manufacture gaskets and static sealing solutions and improve its stockholding and workshop facilities.

The centre, which includes a dedicated ECITB-accredited training facility, holds the region's largest stock of sealing solutions. In addition to its gasket cutting service, it provides a local fast turn delivery service for clients.

Flexitallic's experienced team of joint integrity professionals is supported by an applications team that collaborates with clients on a range of specialist projects, including design reviews, gasket redesigns and industry compliance.

Capable of manufacturing both pipeline gaskets and vessel gaskets from a range of soft materials, including fibre, graphite, PTFE and rubber, it also produces semi-metallic gaskets, including spiral wound gaskets. The service centre provides bolted connection engineering review and design review services, and the team can be reached 24/7 for support with commercial and technical requirements.

Flexitallic UK's North-East (Teesside) Service Centre is at 5, Wilfred Whitfield Way, TeesAMP, Riverside Park Industrial Estate, Middlesbrough, TS2 1EN. Tel 01642 245906 or email [email protected]