FT Pipeline Systems stands as the premier supplier of coated and lined steel water pipes in the UK, offering comprehensive project management services across the entire pipeline supply chain. Established in 1982, FTPS has a rich history that reflects its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality products while minimizing total life costs. This commitment begins with a focus on preventing pipeline corrosion, ultimately aiming to provide clients with durable and reliable pipeline systems. The company’s expertise extends from sourcing the necessary materials and applying coatings and linings, to producing end joints and organizing logistics for fittings and accessories.
The origins of FTPS trace back to Frazer and Tabberer, founded by Horace Tabberer and Robert Frazer. Initially, the company specialized in selling locking lids to UK water authorities, a solution designed to reduce costs and avoid the need for expensive excavations due to defective surface boxes. Duncan Frazer, Robert’s son, took over in the late 1980s, steering the company through various challenges over the decades. Ian Harding, the current Managing Director, joined the company part-time in the 1990s and has seen it evolve into FTPS since its establishment in 2009, navigating significant changes such as Brexit and the global pandemic.
FTPS boasts an extensive product portfolio that meets a wide array of water authority requirements. The company supplies Spigot and Socket large-diameter steel water pipes and fittings, which can vary in length from 8.4 to 14 meters and typically have diameters of 600 millimeters or larger. These products cater to major infrastructure projects that often require custom fittings such as bends and tees. To ensure compatibility and quality, FTPS collaborates with fabricators in France and the UK, ensuring that all products are approved for drinking water use. Additionally, the company offers innovative solutions like Canusa joint protection products and pipe-in-pipe spacers, which enhance the safety and efficiency of pipeline installation.
Recognizing the need for operational enhancement, FTPS has recently made substantial investments in warehousing and storage facilities. As of May 2024, the Frazer and Tabberer Group restructured its operations, separating FTPS from its other divisions, including FT Gas Control and FT Water Treatment. This strategic move allows each business unit to operate independently, promoting specialized growth and efficiency. The development of distinct warehouses for these divisions marks a significant advancement in their operational capabilities, enabling FTPS to manage its inventory and projects more effectively.
In addition to its impressive product offerings and operational improvements, FTPS is at the forefront of developing advanced pipe tracker technology. This innovation focuses on enhancing traceability, a critical concern for clients. Each steel pipe produced by FTPS is uniquely numbered, allowing for meticulous tracking back to the heat numbers from which they were made. This level of traceability ensures that any potential issues can be addressed quickly, providing clients with the assurance of quality throughout the production process.
The company is also working on a proprietary application designed to streamline this traceability. By scanning barcodes attached to pipes, the application will provide detailed information about each pipe, including specifications such as diameter, wall thickness, and coating. This system will not only allow FTPS to manage any necessary repairs more efficiently but also reduce the need for costly third-party inspections. Clients will have direct access to relevant data and certifications, enhancing transparency and confidence in the products they purchase.
Through ongoing investments in technology and workforce training, FTPS aims to ensure that its team is well-equipped to handle repairs and inspections with precision. This focus on skill development is vital for maintaining high-quality standards and mitigating costs for clients by reducing reliance on external inspection services. Ultimately, the innovations at FTPS not only bolster operational efficiency but also assure clients of the quality and reliability of their water pipeline assets.
