FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH SPP PUMPS
FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
Proudly British, SPP Pumps has become synonymous with the high-quality design and manufacture of centrifugal pumps and associated systems.
In March 2023, SPP Pumps expertise and capabilities were recognised at the Pump Industry Awards, receiving the coveted title of Pump Manufacturer of the Year.
“We are one of the last major centrifugal pump manufacturers in the UK, and we are proud to fly the British flag for best in class. We are committed to delivering world class products on time to meet and exceed our customers’ needs,” shared Bob Tichband, Chief Operating Officer of SPP Pumps, when speaking with Business Enquirer.
The UK Pump Manufacturer of the Year nurturing local talent
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SPP PUMPS PROJECT
DIRECTED BY: BEN SAUNDERS ARTICLE
WRITTEN BY: LAURA WATLING
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Whilst receiving recognition on home soil, 70% of SPP Pumps’ products are exported worldwide, a testament to the brand it has built.
To support its worldwide customers, SPP Pumps has a global network of local sales, production, test, and service sites in the USA, India, France, Italy, South Africa, Singapore, Dubai and Egypt.
SPP Pumps UK Manufacturing Centre can be found in Coleford, in the Forest of Dean, where, in line with its growth strategy, it is nurturing the local talent pool.
Having started his career with SPP Pumps around 40 years ago, Bob is a prime example of the benefit of apprenticeships.
“I started at SPP Pumps as an apprentice, and not only have my own experience, but have witnessed the success of my colleagues who have also had a long
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THE GLOBAL SUPPLIER
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career following apprenticeship, within the business,” said Bob, “I’ve seen the model work”.
It feels full-circle then, that Bob is able to offer this opportunity to aspiring young engineers in the local community.
“There’s a wide range of opportunities for apprentices at SPP Pumps spanning craft, technical and commercial,” explained Bob, “we had six apprentices join the scheme in 2022, we have a further six starting in September, and currently have five colleagues working in the business who have recently graduated from the scheme”.
Making apprenticeships an integral part of its growth plans, SPP Pumps has made significant investment into its machine shop, to enable apprentices early handson experience aimed to accelerate their learning.
In addition to its apprenticeship programme, SPP Pumps has a wellestablished graduate scheme, as well as six colleagues participating in MBA programmes, and the Head of UK Manufacturing, Laura Hurcombe, recently completing a Masters in Engineering Business Management.
“It’s crucial that we nurture our people, without them we have no business. We aim to develop, empower, and instil belief into our home-grown talent,” said Bob.
Bob highlighted that one of his roles as a business leader is to help develop the leaders of the future.
“It’s about getting the right people with the right attitude in the business. We have implemented some key strategies to ensure we are developing a culture of everyone pulling in the same direction,” he continued.
Having been in business for 140 years, SPP Pumps has witnessed several industry shifts and challenges, not to mention the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Like most businesses, SPP Pumps was able to pull learnings from the pandemic, which included making the business leaner, more cost effective and improving its bottom-line performance.
Now, with supply chains settling and the Covid pandemic feeling like a distant fever-dream, Bob believes SPP Pumps is entering a strong growth phase, supported by owners Kirloskar Brothers Limited.
“We are forecasting a 10-15% increase on 2023’s figures,” Bob shared.
Alongside the business growth, Bob highlighted SPP Pumps’ need to remain agile, with both sustainability measures and AI technologies rapidly changing the world, let alone the manufacturing industry.
From a sustainability perspective, SPP Pumps is working in partnership with Inspired Energy to map out the business’ Carbon Net Zero roadmap. It had also invested in research and development to reduce the carbon content of its products, as well as reducing emissions by making its factories more efficient.
“With AI, the opportunities for us to integrate technology are endless, and, ultimately, AI and digitisation will help us to exponentially increase our operational efficiency,” said Bob.
Current plans to incorporate the latest AI technology into SPP Pumps processes includes implementing a digital thread throughout the organisation, improving 3D modelling, and updating its instruction and testing documents.
“Whilst we can’t predict the full extent of how AI and digitisation will impact the World’s future, we’re welcoming the transition as we grow from strength to strength,” closed Bob.
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