[Nuflow Training Conference February 2010]

How we Started

Nuflow in Australia started after Ed Ahern, Gold Coast based businessman and plumber of 30 years, had experimented with an Australian relining system. After using this system he discovered limitations and searched to find a better system, if not develop one that was much more versatile. It was this decisive action that led him to Nuflow Technologies, a Canadian company claiming to repair damaged pipes, bends, traps and even junctions. Ed flew to Nashville Tennessee to the "Pumper & Cleaner" exposition to meet with Nuflow Technologies and investigate the full extent of the systems capabilities. Ed was so impressed by this technology; he negotiated a deal by where he would have exclusive rights to manufacture, sell and install the Nuflow system across the Asia Pacific region.

Nuflow the System

The Easy: Specifically, our system can be installed on bends, junctions, traps, vertical or horizontal pipes all in one application. The Nuflow liner can be installed as short as a metre and as long as 50 metres. It can be stopped and started in sections of piping as required. The seamless liner prevents infiltration and exfiltration, restores structural integrity, and eliminates joints that can weaken and allow root intrusion and ground waters/ penetration etc.

The Impossible: We will continue to implement cured in place technologies to solve the impossible. Usually by the time we get the phone call, someone has already ripped all their hair out, and is at their wits end. Necessity is the mother of all invention… this is true of our system. We are continually customizing and altering our standard procedures to attempt a tricky job.

Nuflow the Company

Nuflow is divided into 3 distinct areas of operation:

Manufacturing: With over 30 Licensed Installers throughout Australia and New Zealand, the quantity of Nuflow Liner being installed was growing every day. Combine this growth with the logistics of importing product from Canada, and the decision to begin manufacturing locally was quite easy. We began with the basics of sourcing and storing raw product, experimented through the most efficient methods to produce the best quality products, and developed a product quality second to none. In 2007, Nuflow Technologies was proud to announce we received certification in AS/NZ 9001:2000 Quality Management Systems. We have since had several independent audits, and passed each one comfortably. All products are made locally, from 95% locally sourced product and suppliers. We manufacture all resins and liners, and employ many local engineers to help us design some of the unique tools of our niche trade. Our full time manufacturing team is dedicated to speed, efficiency and quality product and delivery to our customers. They pride themselves on their ability to come up with a solution to any problem we throw at them.

Relining: Apart from the obvious requirements of local businesses and residents who need our services, the main goal of our Relining crews is to learn, and continue to develop our system. They are a unique group of problem solvers with the ability to look outside the box. Without this ‘on the job’ experience, we wouldn’t have the experience and know how to train our licensees, and we wouldn’t come up with the new technologies which allow us to grow as a company. Our crews carry out all investigations with CCTV (drain cameras), clean or unblock drains and sewers, and relinie any damaged pipes. Our crews have fixed everything ranging in diameters of 40mm to 1m, in pipes made of PVC, Concrete, Copper, Earthenware, Cast or Gal. It also makes no difference to us whether it’s storm water, waste pipes or drinking water pipes. Our experience and technology has secured the gratitude of many, many happy customers. Check out some of the Job Profiles or Videos.

Licensees: Since the acquisition of Nuflow, Nuflow Technologies has expanded as a family; a network of many locally or family owned and operated businesses that have come together through the same vision. That ‘there must be a better way’ than to excavate all the time… these are the forward thinking problem solving types that you want in your corner when you have a problem. The fact that they can use the Nuflow system is a bonus to you. Not only has every Licensee undergone extensive training, but twice a year we all come together as a group to discuss new techniques and ideas. The development of our skills and product depends on the input of the people actually using the product. If you are looking for your nearest Licensed Installer, please log on to www.nuflow.com.au if you are ever unhappy with the service you are given, contact us at head office immediately.

Nuflow's Horizons

With over 30 Licensees through out Australia and New Zealand, we have relined thousand's of pipes and served just as many satisfied customers. Nuflow’s future has never looked healthier. With the marketplace becoming progressively more aware and educated and savvy to the benefits of relining compared with conventional pipe repair techniques the demand for Nuflow’s range of services will continue to grow. Some consideration is now being focused into the Asian markets as we have received numerous expressions of interest regarding our products and services there. This is a great sign for the trenchless industry and shows that the future for any individual or business involved in this convenient and cost saving technology is outstanding.

Organisational Chart

(Left to right) Joleen Mihalic, Tim Archer, Carlos Senel, Mike Lambert, Alex Bolivar, Mark MacDonald, Jayden Stuart, Luke Direen and in front- Ed Ahern.

Tim – I’m the head reliner and am the bloke the licensees call when they have any dramas. I work with both Mark’s with quoting.		Jayden – what Mark said
Jo – I spend most of my time answering the phone, doing odd jobs for the boys and helping licensees.		Luke – I’m in the factory with Alex, I pump out the liners… my record is….