Excel Water Ltd

How things have changed in the water treatment industry

Excel Water Ltd — 19/06/2017

As in any industry times change! So, to stem my curiosity I decided to carry out an informal interview with one of our senior design engineers who has been in the industry for over 30 years to find out what the major changes have been and how he feels about them.

What was the industry like in the beginning and how did it evolve?

One of the major players was Houseman / Permutit, they were a UK company and started out on the banks of the Tyne making boiler chemicals for steam ships. They then sold Permutit off to Thames water and started their own pre-treatment branch to enable more independence. The old Permutit and Memcor guys were really well trained and scattered to the 4 winds and set up their own companies Excel Water being one of them!

What was the first type of plant you worked on and built?

I was a marine engineer at the time on an auxiliary ship feeding bases in the Falkland Islands. The first plant I worked on was a very basic sea water RO desalination plant, basically, you pumped water at the membrane until the skin blinded (looked like a tom tom drum off the Tarzan movies!) You then took the skin off and put it in a bucket of acid to descale the membrane. (this was very early 1980s and I will show my age if I tell you when!!)

The old Brunner softeners were a nightmare to service though and the vessels were made from steel. These days vessels tend not to be made from steel anymore and resins have become more efficient so they dont need changing as often.

I then moved to another company and was asked to build an RO for them, yes it was very over engineered as per the customers spec, but it is still going!

My designs have changed over the years and I now stick to the KISS principle (keep it simple stupid!) and the recovery rates on ROs have improved greatly, 40% recovery was all the first ones could achieve and now I have been able to build 90% recovery systems due to modern membrane technology.

What do you think the biggest change in the industry has been over the space of your career?

Back in the early days the main plant you worked on were softeners and Demin plants. Softeners havent changed much apart from voltage. However, Demin plants have evolved but mainly in the controls aspects and our EX Power Demin plants at Excel Water that were designed by Brian are very impressive.

The industry shifted from Demin to RO because of health and safety and COSSH implications in the mid 90s. However, prior to that Demin ruled! During the early 2000s, effluent became a bigger issue so the focus seemed to change to Reverse Osmosis. Substantial changes in membrane technology such as ultra-filtration and the quality control aspect is a lot better nowadays which makes a difference.

I feel that there is a big skill gap in the water treatment industry, this is due to the intensive training sessions that were carried out in the early days, companies dont offer this anymore. Because of this I dedicate time to carry out this training here at Excel Water.

Ultimately there is more competition online now with companies selling basic plant such as water softeners and ROs off the shelf, which is giving the industry a bad name as systems are not always sized correctly. Also, people now want things instantly and dont double check their water quality with a water analysis when buying online, this can cause problems further down the line.

In your opinion what do you think the future of the industry holds?

I feel that the future for the water treatment industry will move towards sea water de-salination as the population is growing and there is not enough fresh water.

90% recovery systems especially on larger sites will become preferable and grey water treatment solutions will become more sought after.

Membrane Bio reactors for effluent treatment

Boreholes are becoming a big thing due to cost saving, and the water authorities being privatised. This has probably caused the increase in boreholes being sunk over recent years.

In my opinion. there will always be a place for an expert engineer in the industry who knows what he is doing and has the experience to overcome issues and problems.

Interview with Ray O Leary, written by Suzanne Whitham Excel Water Ltd

What happens when you don't treat your water?

Excel Water Ltd — 30/07/2019

What would happen if we didn’t treat our water?

Using mains water for manufacturing can be a time-consuming, costly and risky business. This is because untreated water can lead to a multitude of operational issues, including scale build-up. Hard water that's left untreated can cause scale which damages machinery and impacts the efficiency of processes and the quality of outputs.

Working with sub-standard water can:

Compromise output quality
Increase plant downtime
Decrease energy efficiency levels
Hike up operating costs

Find out more about the risks of untreated water and how to tackle them, over on our website.

Is your water treatment plant fit for purpose?

Excel Water Ltd — 30/07/2019

What happens when your water treatment plant’s no longer fit for purpose?

It’s not uncommon for businesses to have water treatment plants on their premises that are no longer fit for purpose.

This is mainly due to the fact:

The plant is inherited
Manufacturing processes have evolved
The plant hasn't been maintained or upgraded

Untreated water contains contaminants

These contaminants can cause no-end of issues – from compromising quality to increasing downtime (caused by having to repair or replace tools and equipment or clean hard water deposits off them). System breakdowns are another common issue resulting from outdated or poorly maintained water treatment equipment.

It was repeated system breakdowns that prompted a property manager to contact us. We were able to diagnose the issue and upgrade their nano filtration unit and solve the problem. You can read about what we did and how nano filtration works in this case study.

YORKSHIRE AND MIDLANDS MEMBERS AGREE COLLABORATION AFTER CHANCE MEETING AT EXPO

Excel Water Ltd — 20/11/2018

A chance meeting at the annual exhibition of Made in Yorkshire counterpart, Made in the Midlands, has proved extremely fortuitous for one MIY member.

Emma Armitage, Managing Director of Leeds based Excel Water, had been visiting the MIM expo at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry following an invitation.

After visiting the Made in Yorkshire stand at the event, Emma walked past the display by MIM member MCS Control Systems and happened to glance an image on the łrms board.

“We are supplying new equipment to a large car manufacturer in Oxford and we were looking for a supplier to partner with to decommissioning a control panel and reconłgure the software for the equipment we were supplying,” said Emma.

“I had been looking for someone who may be able to help us with this and once I saw the graphic I knew that MCS could do exactly what we needed and that we could buy from them.”

Following a conversation with MCS sales manager Mark Hassell, the two łrms quickly established they had common ground. “I subsequently visited the company and we are now in a position to place a substantial order with them,” said Emma.

“I had not gone to the Expo with the intention of łnding a supplier but when a chance meeting and a little bit of fate collides you have to grasp the opportunity with both hands.

“That’s why the Expo and the wider Made In network is so fantastic, because it has brought me into contact with a supplier I wouldn’t otherwise have known about.”

Excel is now waiting to hear from the car manufacturer about when work might commence. “Hopefully this will be soon because I know they were eager to start as soon as possible,” added Emma.

“It’s just a matter of waiting now but without MCS on board I’m not sure the project would have materialised quite as quickly as it has.” Mark said: “It was great to meet Emma at the Expo and to have something slot together as quickly as this has is great. “We are Fust waiting to hear now from the car manufacturer about when the work might be able to take place.

“This only serves to show how useful the Made In network is and how important the Expo is to members. “We had six or seven łrm enquiries from the day and I’m more than happy with that.”

Excel has recently completed a relocation to new premises in Allerton Bywater. The new facilities have enabled the company to increase its manufacturing output as well as develop new products to improve the level of service to its customers. It has also seen it tackle more large-scale projects for the automotive and manufacturing industries.

Excel Water Invest £220k in New Premises

Excel Water Ltd — 15/03/2018

Excel Water Ltd is relocating to new premises in Allerton Bywater with the support of a £25k grant accessed through Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnerships Growth Service.

Managing director Emma Armitage and her brother Darren Field took over running the family-owned business two years ago. Supported by the LEP Growth Service, turnover has now reached over £1.1m and the move is expected to open up opportunities for further investment and growth.

The relocation from Ledston Luck Enterprise Park to the new 1,250 sq ft premises at Kiln Park in Allerton Bywater, has allowed the companys offices, manufacturing and storage to be brought together under a single roof.

A new testing and research facility has also been created.

The LEP Growth Service is delivered in Leeds in partnership with Leeds City Council and Leeds Beckett University.

Emma Armitage said: The move to the new premises has enabled us to bring all our business under one roof and accelerate our plans for growth.

The support weve had from the Council and the LEP has been fantastic and has really supported the growth of our business. We are excited to take the business to the next stage and are looking forward to the new challenges this will bring.

Following the move, Excel Waters team of nine full-time and part-time staff is set to expand, with five new jobs being created, including a new business manager, water treatment engineer and accounts administrator, plus two trainee positions.

Cllr Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council executive member for employment, enterprise and opportunity, added: Its great to be able to support innovative local businesses that are investing in growth and creating high quality employment, together with opportunities for young people.

Water quality is a major issue here in the UK and abroad, so there is undoubtedly a huge market for the expertise Excel Water can offer. Roger Marsh, OBE, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, also commented: I am very pleased that Excel Water Ltd has benefited from support from the LEP Growth Service and that the business is set to achieve their growth ambitions as a result.

I encourage all businesses to pick up the phone and find out about the support available for growing businesses at every stage of their development.

Improving water quality for the NHS

Excel Water Ltd — 22/06/2020

In our role as water treatment specialists, we improve the safety and efficiency of everyday functions for a range of organisations, from manufactures to healthcare facilities. Pure water is essential for processes within sterile environments and the production of certain goods.

An NHS trust in the Midlands approached us to assess their reverse osmosis (RO) plants. They need a consistent supply of pure water due to the silica levels present in the mains water supply.

The tank on site was causing the ROs to start and stop frequently. As a result, the ROs have been struggling to cope with demand.

The RO units send 25% water to drain during run cycles, meaning lots of water was being wasted due to the system’s inefficiency. The aim is to increase the flow rate and reduce water to drain.

The project involves upgrading their 10-year-old RO unit, converting it to double pass from single and putting in 2 x 1.5m3 per hour to run duty/standby. The units will be fitted with an inverter-driven pump that is IE5 rated, reducing energy consumption.

Once installed, the new system will be tested and monitored by our team to ensure the trust is supplied with the right quality of water at the required frequency. To ensure the trust has a reserve of water, we’ve installed additional tanks.

The outcome of this project will ensure the Midlands NHS trust has improved water quality for the vital work they do. Moving to a constant flow will save energy costs, reduce wasted water, and avoid the hassle caused by the old system.

Helping British organisations operate more efficiently and save water is what drives the team at Excel. The right water treatment system can transform daily operations.

Why We Do What We Do!

Excel Water Ltd — 09/08/2017

Excel Water Ltd was set up by Brian Field, he served his time at Vickers defence factory in Leeds known as Barnbow. Vickers manufactured tanks and were a munitions factory during the war who were known for producing some of the best quality engineers in the country.

He then went on to work for AE Turbines manufacturing parts for aeroplanes. His career then moved in a slightly different direction when he accepted a job as a water treatment engineer for Permutit. His time at Permutit was well spent and in the 8 years he was there he progressed from general servicing to design engineer as well as in charge of training other engineers.

Whilst working at Permutit, Brian could see a real gap in the market for the manufacture of demin plants so he decided to set up Excel Water to provide this service. The first demin plants were called EX30s, EX60 and EX120 (the number relation to resin bed volume). We sold lots of these over the next few years and gave us a real boost to getting us known in the industry. However we feel that the success of the company has been that we ensure customers needs are embedded into the core values here Excel Water Ltd. We dont sell customers run of the mill, make it fit reverse osmosis, and demin systems, we are one of the very few water treatment companies that have the expertise to design and modify plant specifically for that customer, be it an issue with footprint, or additional monitoring equipment required, we spend time speaking with the customer making sure they get exactly what they need.

In the 24 years we have been established, we find that this practice pays dividends as 40% of our existing customers have been utilising our services for over 15 years, they trust in the knowledge of our engineers and the genuine qualities they have.

We have used Excelwater for servicing and maintenance of our Demin plant for the last 5 years. The demin plant is a vital part of our manufacturing process so it is imperative that we have minimal down time. Im happy to say that in 5 years we havent lost so much as an hours production through the demin plant. The plant produces a water quality of less than 1µ/cm which means we are able to supply our customers with a first class product. It would be great if all my other plant were as reliable as the demin plant and that my other contractors were as reliable as Excelwater are. An excellent product supported with excellent service levels. Top marks from Caldic

We understand that the right quality water on our customers sites is critical to process, be it ensuring boilers are running efficiently with the use of soft water, or that toiletries products are free from sediment and minerals, or that glass is smear free, our customers want to make sure that their product is the best, and we want to help them to achieve this.

As with any company times change, Brian has since retired and handed over the reigns to his son and daughter. Emma Armitage, is the Managing Director responsible for driving the business into the next millennium, and Darren Field is the Engineering Director, responsible for ensuring the engineering knowledge and training is passed from generation to generation, with the recent addition of Brians grandson as one of our new apprentices, we really are keeping it in the family!.

The team here at Excel Water are always looking for new ways to assist our customers with any water related problems, and with the emphasis on businesses nowadays to be more green, we have taken this onboard and our reverse osmosis plants are designed to be more efficient with their reject water, and recycling modifications are incorporated into the design. We also help our customers with cost savings for water usage, be it introducing a borehole to site or a rainwater harvesting system, calculating cost savings against mains and designing the system required to treat the water to a potable standard. We are with our customers every step of the way and always will be.

My Night at The Gherkin

Excel Water Ltd — 17/09/2017

Thanks to a call from Ilona at Made in Yorkshire I was lucky enough to have been invited to attend a conservative event at The Gherkin to promote UK manufacturing, and in my case to represent Yorkshire Manufacturing.

I was extremely excited and honoured to be considered. I have worked hard over the last few years promoting our business, since being handed the reigns by my father and taking over the position of Managing Director. I have been pushing myself to improve and having graduated from the Goldman Sachs course for business last year, I have continued to do so. However despite all this, I dislike leaving Yorkshire and am not very London Savvy!

I arrived at The Gherkin, transported, by a lovely taxi driver who knew London like the back of his hand. I went through airport style security and after a quick body search (I always set off the alarms and look unnecessarily nervous), I was in!

The venue was beautiful with fantastic views over the London skyline, it was lit by soft candle light which made the event feel even more intimate.

After a short drinks reception Mr Rees-Mogg arrived and gave a short speech about the conservative views on Manufacturing in the UK and how they were trying to help UK businesses make excellent trade links.

I was one of the lucky ones who was able to have a quick chat with him and tell him about why I think it is so important for local Manufactures to get together and to buy locally where possible. Groups like Made in Yorkshire and Made in the Midlands are invaluable to local businesses enabling them to make contacts locally and support each other. Mr Rees-Mogg was very patient and listened to my thoughts on the issues that British Manufactures face, as well as my views that the British brand is still very strong and perceived as a quality product. We also discussed what help we need from the government to help promote and market our businesses as British brands.

The conversation then turned to Cricket as Mr Rees-Mogg is an avid fan, luckily for me it only stretched as far as knowing Yorkshire Cricket is in Headingly which is as far as my knowledge extends on the subject!

So after a lovely event with IIona and the ladies from Made in the Midlands I headed back to the hotel for some much needed shut eye.

After successfully navigating the tube network on the way down I was determined to do the same again, until I realised there were severe delays on the tube network so I ordered myself an Uber.

Well. I managed to get a new Uber driver who didnt know the area well and managed to drive past Kings Cross Station twice!! I should have followed my own advice and got a local London taxi cab! However, as luck would have it my train was delayed by 10 minutes (otherwise I would have missed it) so I jumped on the 1^st carriage I could find.

So picture this, I am feeling rather hot and weighed down with luggage and still need to navigate from 1^st class right through the train (which was moving at this point!) down to standard class at the other end. Luckily, my trip was clearly blessed, as a very nice conductor upgraded me to 1^st class for a very reasonable price which meant I could work on the way back and arrive back in the office in record time feeling refreshed and ahead of the workload. Result!

www.excelwater.co.uk

How does reverse osmosis work?

Excel Water Ltd — 03/07/2019

Reverse Osmosis: How does it work?

The function of RO is to purify water by removing dissolved salts, particles, bacteria, molecules and minerals that are present.

The process works by forcing a highly-concentrated solution at high pressure through a semi-permeable membrane. Particles are trapped by the membrane and pure water emerges the out other side. To find out more and see a diagram depicting the process, take a look at the full blog on our website.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants are one of the main water purification systems we provide at Excel Water. They are used by food and drink producers, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and metal finishing companies, to name a few. It's important for these businesses to use RO systems during manufacturing processes as water that isn't treated properly contains particles that can be harmful to the end products they supply.

"UK Manufacturing is Crucial for Economic Growth": Excel Water's MD Joins Backing Britain Pledge

Excel Water Ltd — 25/07/2024

Backing Britain is back. Made in Group is urging the UK government to debate and act upon: addressing concerns related to safeguarding manufacturing capacity, addressing concerns related to ownership of British businesses and appointing a Minister for manufacturing.

After the recent general election, the Backing Britain Campaign aims to present both the challenges and opportunities in the manufacturing sector to the new government. By amplifying the voices of the business leaders most affected, the campaign seeks to educate top-level officials about the changes that SMEs in manufacturing want to see.

Excel Water is Backing Britain: A Commitment to Innovation and Local Support

Excel Water, a leading specialist in water treatment systems, has joined the Backing Britain 2024 campaign, aligning with its mission to support and strengthen the UK manufacturing sector. In a recent interview with Sam Sleight of Made in Yorkshire, Emma Armitage, Managing Director at Excel Water, shared insights into the company's commitment to innovation, local sourcing, and the challenges facing the industry, particularly in digital technology adoption and funding accessibility.

An Integral Cog in Multiple Industry’s Supply Chains

Excel Water's customer base spans a diverse array of sectors, including chemical manufacturing, automotive, personal care, and food industries. Emma highlighted the company's integral role in these sectors, emphasising how their water treatment solutions are crucial for maintaining quality and efficiency. For example, in the automotive industry, Excel Water ensures that water used in the manufacturing process is particle-free, which is essential for achieving a smooth finish on high-end car parts.

Customer-Driven Innovation

A significant aspect of Excel Water's business model is its customer-centric approach to innovation. During her conversation with Sam, Emma explained that the company's research and development efforts are largely driven by customer needs, making the majority of their systems completely bespoke. "There’s no point in designing new products that customers don’t want," she noted. This approach not only ensures that Excel Water stays relevant but also helps them address specific challenges their clients face.

Reshoring and Sustainability

In discussing the logistical challenges faced by Excel Water, Emma highlighted the complexities involved in sourcing parts from overseas and travelling to customers within the UK. She noted that "Britain's roads are getting very clogged," which can significantly delay travel times across the country. In addition to domestic logistical challenges, historically, the company has faced extended lead times for acquiring parts due to global disruptions such as the Ukraine war and the Suez crisis. Reflecting on this, Emma stressed the importance of sourcing locally where possible, stating, "We're trying to buy as much as we can from the UK... We're supporting the local economy by doing that." This approach not only mitigates some of these unforeseen logistical challenges but also fosters economic resilience by strengthening local supply networks. This in turn aligns with the company's sustainability goals, reducing carbon footprints associated with long-distance shipping.

The Call for Enhanced Government Support

During the interview, in addition to raising awareness of logistical frustrations, Emma highlighted several key areas where she believes government support could significantly impact the manufacturing sector. One of the primary concerns she raised was the need for more accessible funding options, particularly for SMEs looking to adopt new technologies. "The process of securing funding can be incredibly complex and time-consuming," she remarked, stressing the importance of streamlining these processes to encourage innovation and growth. Emma explained how this is compounded by the unnecessarily high corporation taxes on SMEs - calling for relief to ensure the government doesn’t “hinder reinvestment and growth in the manufacturing sector”.

Emma also emphasised the critical role of digital technology in modern manufacturing. She called for increased government initiatives to support digital transformation, including grants and training programs that help companies integrate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics. "Digital transformation is not just a buzzword; it's essential for staying competitive in today's market," she stated.

The final point that Emma made was one shared by a good number of specialist SMEs in Manufacturing; she called for more consultations with manufacturers to tailor apprenticeships and training to specific industry needs. She noted the lack of specialised courses for certain fields, like water treatment, compared to more targeted programs like those for wind turbine maintenance.

Minister for Manufacturing - "The right person to effectively guide and support the sector"

For Emma, these challenges highlight the significance of the Backing Britain campaign. "UK Manufacturing is crucial for economic growth as it creates jobs and supports other industries", stated Emma. She suggested that a more dedicated department or minister for manufacturing could better address industry needs. When asked about this, the Excel Water MD advocated for a minister who has "successfully ran a manufacturing business". Emma continued, "they have to have hands on experience, rather than just theoretical knowledge", concluding "that's the right person to effectively guide and support the sector."

Digital Innovation and Skills Development

Excel Water is not just advocating for change but also leading by example. The company is actively exploring digital innovations to enhance its operations. Emma shared that Excel Water is looking into integrating AI technologies to streamline processes and improve customer service. Additionally, the company is involved in the Good Growth Program and the Made Smarter initiative, both of which aim to upskill employees and incorporate cutting-edge technologies into their workflows.

A notable initiative in the pipeline at Excel Water is the development of an extranet system for internal knowledge sharing. This system is designed to capture and disseminate the extensive industry knowledge possessed by senior employees, ensuring that expertise is retained and shared across the company. This effort addresses a common challenge in the industry—maintaining a skilled workforce as experienced members of the team retire.

Conclusion

Excel Water's involvement in the Backing Britain 2024 campaign underscores the company's commitment to supporting the local economy and fostering innovation within the UK manufacturing sector. Emma Armitage's leadership highlights the critical role of government support in enabling companies to navigate the challenges of digital transformation and access essential funding. As Excel Water continues to innovate and invest in its people, it sets a strong example for other manufacturers, demonstrating the power of local collaboration and forward-thinking strategies in building a resilient future for UK manufacturing.

Made in Group is a trade organisation that helps elevate manufacturing businesses' online presence whilst giving them a platform to connect and share ideas. Dedicated to uniting British industry, the UK collective relies on its members to help them amplify their voice for manufacturing and showcase the critical role of industry leaders in shaping the nation's future.

Sign the pledge now > Backing Britain pledge.

Join us in Westminster on 5th December to present the Backing Britain manifesto to the government. Register now.

Excel Water To Exhibit At Made in Yorkshire Expo 2019

Excel Water Ltd — 11/04/2019

Excel Water is excited to announce it is exhibiting at the Made in Yorkshire Expo, which takes place at the Centenary Pavilion in Leeds on 23rd May 2019.

We will be on Stand 1 so if you are attending please come by and see us!

To join them, register for tickets by clicking on the banner below and don't forget that for more details on the event, visit the new website - www.madeinyorkshireexpo.co.uk

Demin V's RO

Excel Water Ltd — 29/06/2017

Maintaining the quality of your products in a competitive marketplace is fundamental to any successful business. From the materials you use, to your choice of equipment, every part of the production line should be geared towards the output of high quality products which differentiate you with customers and safeguard your reputation as a preferred provider.

Purified water is a necessary requirement for most manufacturers. For example, poor water quality within a glass washing process may leave unwanted streaks. Similarly, non-purified water in a mouthwash production process can result in floating particles and, for those businesses where spray painting is needed, it may cause defects in the quality of the paint. We at Excel Water, help organisations make the right decisions about which water purification method they need, so that water quality does not impede on their ability to provide superior products to their customers.

Demin Vs Reverse Osmosis Debate

This is something that has been a long standing debate, the truth of the matter is that there is no Demin Versus Reverse Osmosis debate anymore, both systems have come a long way, and now the question should be is 'what is the best system for your site?'

Please see below the differences between the EXPOWER Series Demin Plants and the EXPOWER Series Reverse Osmosis Plant

EXPOWER Series Demin

COSHH Regs Required

No Water Softener Required

No Reject Water When in Service

Polishes water down to <1ms

EXPOWER Series Reverse Osmosis

No COSHH Regs Required

Water Softener Required to feed RO

25% Reject Water When in Service

Polishes water down to 10-20ms

There are various reasons specific plants are chosen for a certain site, be it down to flow rates/volume of water required, in this instance we find that under certain flow rates Reverse Osmosis works out more cost effective, however, above certain flow rates demin plants work out more cost effective. It could also be down to a footprint issue of the plant, the fantastic thing is that here at Excel Water we build our own plant in house, by our own engineers and they can be modified to fit and are designed to the customers own unique specification. Our aim is to find the most cost effective, appropriate solution for your organisation based on various factors which are ascertained at the initial site survey carried out.

During the site survey this is where our engineers knowledge and experience comes into its own. This is due to the extensive amount of sites, and various water treatment plant our engineers have dealt with over the years.

We can turn your existing water quality into whatever water quality you need it to be.

Be the USP - by Suzanne Whitham

Excel Water Ltd — 14/05/2018

I was discussing business with a friend of mine the other day, she is very successful at what she does, however throughout our conversation I felt saddened as to her approach to selling her product.

I asked her the basic question of why should I buy from your company? What's so special about your product? Her reply was Well nothing really its the same as our competitors if Im honest!, Right OK! Well why should I buy from your company then? Her response was Well we can do a good price for it!, again not the answer I was hoping for!, I probed and asked if the aftercare and knowledge of her staff was the best in the industry, her reply was Not especially, it is what it is!.

Now it might just be me, and I have been lucky enough to work at a company whereby we have so many USPs coming out of our ears! i.e. high quality original products, warranties, knowledge of engineers, customer service levels etc, being able to add value to the customer, but the question I have to ask is shouldnt every company be able have a USP?

So fair enough not everyones product can be original, but why not have the best aftercare service you can? Train and employ your engineers to be the best? Train your customer service advisers to be the most helpful? Why not become the USP yourself go above and beyond for your customers and most of all have a bit of love for what you are selling, because if you dont love it, and its doesnt add value to your customers business, why should they want it?

Excelling in the manufacturing of pure water, the true meaning of Made in Yorkshire

Excel Water Ltd — 01/10/2019

We love hearing about the success of our members, and so we’re glad when we can share a member’s success with you. But even more so, we love it when we find the true meaning of Made in Yorkshire.

Made in Yorkshire members Excel Water (@Excelwaterltd) manufacture and service Demin plants; so we sat down with Excel Water to discuss what these systems do and to also discuss with them the historical context of how one member has developed a system that can serve millions of manufacturer’s across the country.

What may surprise you about Demin plants and the pure water they create is that in many corners of the manufacturing industry, from automotive to chemicals, these machines play a vital process in the creation of goods that are used by millions of people every single day.

Demin plants, like the one you see below, can sell for anywhere between £17,000 to £20,000 and can convert normal mains water to high purity water, that being water that measures at less than 1 micro siemens.

But why would you invest in a Demin water plant? The use of the machine would ensure the quality of the user's product by ensuring that the quality of the water is always the same, there are no particles in the water which can affect product quality and create streaks and smears on finished products. As Excel Water state on their website, there are five keys roles of a commercial water treatment system: Increased efficiency, improving process quality, minimising downtime, and saving money.

As an example, a glass manufacturer would use demin water to feed their production line otherwise they would get particles and streaks and smears on the end finished product which in this case is glass.

Demin water is also used for the manufacture of AD blue and in the manufacture of mouthwash to ensure the end product is free of particles.

A true story of Made in Yorkshire...

Yet at the core of this story is a great message about a revolutionary product that has been designed, and improved on, by a member, resulting in something truly Made in Yorkshire.

Whilst the filtration of water has been around for centuries, first using a mixture of sand and charcoal, and then in 1904, when ion exchange was invented, being used to soften water, before being developed into a machine capable of demineralisation. Brian Field, the founder of Excel Water, designed the first type of Demin System for Excel Water, called the EX series in 1993.

These original systems, which could archaic by today's technology, have over the past 26-years have seen an increase in efficiency. Whereas the systems started out at producing water at a quality of 30 micro siemens, in 2019 they’ve managed to get the purity down to 1 micro siemens.

At the same time, these systems originally encountered a 3-hour downtime for the system to regenerate after use, but today the new EX Power Demin plant will regenerate in less than 30 minutes.

Excel Water could help you. They provide customers with a comprehensive maintenance service that will ensure that you can operate all year round, without incident. Through this, they can help prevent a costly breakdown by providing boiler testing, cleaning and chlorination for both pipework and tanks.

The Solution is Crystal Clear....

Excel Water Ltd — 08/02/2018

The problem. Our customer had 2 old softener and RO combi units on site which were feeding their glass washing machines, but unfortunately, they were having failures on their double glazed units and struggling to keep up with demand as the orders were increasing.

The situation was becoming a major concern for our customer, so they asked us to come and offer some advice.

Our senior engineer visited site and established that not only was their current system no longer fit for purpose, they also had another problem, water pressure, which was too low and was causing the system to constantly trip out and production was having to cease.

The Solution.. We recommended a break tank and booster set system which fed new twin duplex water softeners and a new twin 900ltr RO systems (built by us in our workshop). Providing them with high quality water and enough of it to cope with the increased demands. As a little bit of an extra, within our design we also made provisions for them to be able to up capacity in the future without having to purchase brand new plant.

However, this was not enough! they also wanted to be efficient with the waste water on site, so with a bit of clever designing, we implemented a system that reused the waste stream from the ROs to feed the glass cutting machines.

Result.. Our customer is now using 100% of the water from the RO system as opposed to sending 25% to drain!! They are very happy with this system, and are now producing high quality products and keeping up with demand easily!