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Comprehensive capabilities
LIBERTY Steel itself is a well-known , global steel and mining business with over 200 locations around the globe . With a view to expanding , its owner , Sanjeev Gupta , set out to grow the company by acquiring a series of available global assets . LIBERTY Pipes ( Hartlepool ), as it is now known , was acquired by the group in August 2017 , but its site in Hartlepool has a much longer history .
Hartlepool ’ s 42-inch pipe mill is home to the world ’ s strongest 13-meter ‘ O ’ press , enabling operators to achieve excellent dimensional control and extending its owners ’ manufacturing capabilities . “ I ’ ve been based at Hartlepool for my entire 30- year manufacturing career , although I ’ ve worked in various positions , under different ownership structures over the years ,” Martin begins .
“ We ’ ve been making pipe at the mill in Hartlepool since 1967 . In 2017 , our previous owner at the time invested significantly in new facilities , which is when our rebirth happened , and the site has gone from strength-tostrength ever since . We were sold to LIBERTY Steel when the steel industry was changing , because we were no longer a core asset to our previous owner ’ s operational strategy .
“ However , LIBERTY Steel saw us as a premium asset that they wanted to grow ,” Martin continues . “ Despite market demand volatility associated with the oil price , we managed to maintain the Hartlepool pipe mill ’ s strong position in the marketplace with our new ownership .”
While the company ’ s ownership has changed , the capability and knowledge surrounding high quality pipe has remained . “ Change of ownership does not necessarily mean change of focus ,” Martin states . “ Any business still has to place the customer
... Martin is passionate about knowledge sharing as the leading light , and LIBERTY Steel genuinely appreciates this concept .
“ For example , one of the biggest investments of the last 15 years , an upgrade to our non-destructive testing equipment ,
HYDROGEN , LIKE SAND , GETS EVERYWHERE .
ENGINEERING AND MATERIAL CRITICAL ASSESSMENT TO PROTECT YOUR ASSETS FROM HYDROGEN DEGRADATION
• Global Expertise across a Network of 9000 + staff in 280 + Locations Worldwide
• Modelling and Simulation of Critical Assets
• Static and Dynamic Fracture Mechanics in Hydrogen Environments
• SSRT Testing
• Non-Metallics Permeation Assessment
• Europe Leading Testing Capacity
Mark Eldridge Director of Hydrogen
was well underway when we became available for sale ,” he
recalls . “ Our previous owner
could have cancelled the order , and LIBERTY Steel could have insisted it was cancelled , but instead , both maintained the commitment . They recognized the investment as an essential factor to bolster the reputation of our company and it ’ s a great example of how to prioritize , even in the event of change .”
Turning to the company ’ s production capabilities , Martin explains : “ Our approach is providing a solution , whether we manufacture the pipe ourselves or collaborate with other
+ 44 ( 0 ) 7827 926757 mark . eldridge @ element . com
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