IPS Newcastle has thrown down the gauntlet to traditional pump repair services, announcing a significant expansion of its pump department. The move, driven by surging demand from major water utilities and critical infrastructure sectors like mining, sees the company’s capacity boosted by 50% within its 135,000 sq ft facility. This isn’t just about growth; it’s a strategic play to challenge the status quo and redefine expectations in the industry.
Brian Tait, Head of the Pump Department, doesn’t mince words. “We operate a tight ship here,” he asserts. IPS Newcastle is positioning itself as a cost-effective, rapid-response alternative to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) pump repair services. The company is betting big on its ability to deliver high-quality, economical repairs with fast turnaround times and long-term reliability. It’s a bold claim, but one that’s already resonating with key players in the water industry, including United Utilities and Northumbrian Water.
The expansion isn’t just about pumps; it’s about people and the economy. IPS Newcastle is creating new skilled jobs in the UK, aligning with its mission to deliver sustainable, high-quality repairs while contributing to the national economy. This move underscores the company’s ambition to boost its profile as a trusted partner for critical infrastructure and to grow its market share.
Consider this: just before Christmas, Northumbrian Water faced a pump failure that threatened to disrupt water supply to thousands of homes. IPS Newcastle’s emergency response team stepped in, restoring full service within hours and averting a major holiday crisis. This isn’t a one-off; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to fast, dependable support.
Craig Hutton, Area General Manager at IPS Newcastle, puts it bluntly: “In today’s climate, extending the life of existing assets is not just economical — it’s essential.” IPS Newcastle is betting that its clients will increasingly see the value in getting ‘as new’ or even better performance without the cost and delay of full replacement. It’s a shift in mindset that could reshape the sector.
The company’s ambitions don’t stop at expansion. IPS Newcastle aims to increase awareness of its specialist capabilities in the water and mining sectors, drive new business opportunities, and position itself as the go-to partner for keeping critical systems running — reliably and cost-effectively. It’s a tall order, but if IPS Newcastle’s track record is anything to go by, the sector should brace itself for a shake-up. The question is, will traditional OEM services adapt or be left behind? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the pump repair landscape is about to get a lot more competitive.