Tyco takes control as valve market consolidates
15 Jan 2000
Following the recent merger with Keystone (see main text), the Flow Control group of Tyco International can lay claim to being the world's largest valve company. Already in the UK, famous names such as Hindle Valves, Winn Valve, Anderson Greenwood and Yarway now form part of the $10billion worldwide manufacturing conglomerate.
According to Hindle's David Simpson, now Tyco md for manufacturing in Northern Europe, 'customers are looking for the one-stop-shop approach to valve and actuator selection. We are doing that selectively. The company believes in organic growth, plus acquisitions when the opportunities arise for us to capitalise on the synergies available.'
Hindle itself offers a good example of such synergies. Its main business is the Ultraseal range of ball valves, but such is the design of these that they are readily converted to cryogenic operation by fitting them with extended bonnets. Available in two lengths for temperatures between -30 and -200oC, the bonnets move the stem/gland seal away from the cold area into ambient temperature.
Continually upgraded to meet changing demands of environmental emissions and ever lower operating temperatures, the valves are assembled in a dedicated clean area at Hindle's works in Leeds and are rigorously performance tested to meet all international standards.
