Partner Article

Manufacturer brushes up with China connection

A specialist brush manufacturer has been assisted by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to join forces with a Chinese pipeline maintenance company.

Cottom Brush will create a new hi-tech way of cleaning and inspecting oil and gas pipelines for Beijing Pipeline Science and Technology.

The Hebburn based company, with 150 years experience, was assisted by the UKTI Research & Development (R&D) programme to assist in design and development of the technology.

Managing Director Ben Cottom said: “We needed to structure our relationship with Beijing Pipeline Science and Technology correctly with a well designed and constructed agreement enabling us to capitalise on the opportunity but also protect ourselves in the event of any future problems.”

Cottom Brush use magnetic circuits to measure the level of leakage in the pipe, usually caused by corrosion.

The new technology will provide a more efficient and accurate measure for the pipeline operator, who will be able to make better-informed decisions on the maintenance required.

David Coppock, UKTI’s International Trade Director for the North East, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to assist Cottom Brush in developing its international ambitions in China through collaboration in market.

“The company has recognized the need to ensure that any agreements meet the requirements of all sides to facilitate successful trade.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .