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great success with this product in the European rail transportation market.
“ We’ ve also been developing valves for the transportation of gases, and we’ re confident that we can break into that market. The other area we have expanded into is what I call lined products. These are valves that are fully lined on the inside with PFA( Perfluoro alkoxy), which is a material similar to PTFE( Polytetrafluoroethylene) in that it is also highly resistant to corrosive materials. We have developed a range of these valves as well as a manufacturing facility capable of injection molding the linings into the stainless-steel valves.”
Over the years, recruitment has played a major role in the company’ s success. Ian goes on to highlight the importance of Fort Vale Engineering’ s apprenticeship scheme:“ For the last 40 years, apprentices have
For the last 40 years, apprentices have been an important part of the business been an important part of the business. Over the last ten-to-15 years, we have taken on eight apprentices each year. It’ s a four-year course, so at any time, we have around 30 young people doing their training within the company. So many people within the company have come through the program, including three of my directors.”
Sustainability has also been a central focus for the company more recently.“ We’ ve done a lot to reduce our carbon emissions,” Ian explains.“ We have solar panels on all the roofs. In summer, throughout the middle of the day, the entire factory, including all the heavy machinery, runs off solar power. We’ ve also increased our insulation to reduce heat loss, as well as changing out all of the lighting in the facility to significantly more efficient LEDs. All of our director’ s cars are electric now, and with the 50 acres of land
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