Pipe repair innovators from Northern Ireland acquired by Aegion

Northern Irish pipe repair specialist Environmental Techniques has been acquired by US based company Aegion.

Employing close to 50 people at locations in Lisburn, Dublin, Wakefield and Livingston, Environmental Techniques specialises in carrying out sewerage and water pipe work without needing to dig up roads.

Missouri based Aegion boasts annual sales of around $1.2 billion and more than 5,000 employees. The company trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, director of the firm Shauna Herron explained Environmental Techniques’ approach. “We are able to update sewer pipes without digging up roads, a method which gives value for money and cost savings.

“Rivers Agency and NI Water has been extremely progressive at using this type of technology as it recognises that people are fed up sitting in traffic jams while utility companies seem to be digging at the same stretch of road.”

Known as trenchless, Environmental Techniques’ method uses cutting edge techniques to repair pipes by injecting materials such as fibreglass or foam inside them. According to Herron, the method has been around for a while but made significant advancements last year.

Environmental Techniques had previously worked with Aegion subsidiary Instituform before the acquisition approach was made last year. The Northern Irish company hopes that the new partnership will help it expand even further.