World Earth Day – Protecting Our Planet

Celebrating world earth day at Ultravalve

The Role of Valves in Environmental Efficiency

As we mark World Earth Day, it’s important to recognise the often-overlooked technologies that make a meaningful difference in protecting our planet. At Ultravalve, we understand that valves are more than just components — they are critical enablers of environmental efficiency across a wide range of industries. Whether it’s reducing energy consumption through improved flow control, preventing costly and harmful leaks, or supporting vital water conservation in utilities and wastewater treatment, our valve solutions play a key role in driving sustainable industrial practices.

Sustainability in Action: Mondeo & Vexve

Ultravalve is proud to work with like-minded manufacturing partners who take sustainability seriously!

Mondeo, specialists in hydraulic valves, are constantly updating their sustainability strategy to reduce environmental impact. Their systems—when using valves and filters together—can deliver up to 20% energy savings. By extending their philosophy of stainless-steel design to manifolds, using thin-walled pipes and TIG welding, Mondeo ensures high hydraulic efficiency while keeping energy costs down. In a significant operational change, they’ve also replaced gas heating across their facilities with an electric heat pump system, saving an estimated 5,000 cubic metres of gas annually, or 8.5 tonnes of CO₂.

Vexve, a leading European provider of valve solutions for energy infrastructure and energy-intensive industries, also leads by example. Their sustainability commitment is guided by a robust ESG framework, shaping not just their products, but also their business practices. They deliver high-quality, durable valve solutions while operating in a way that benefits both customers and local communities — demonstrating ecological, social, and economic responsibility across the board.

Vexve’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement is further demonstrated through their adoption of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These independently verified documents report the full environmental impact of a product using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)—from raw material extraction through to disposal. Based on internationally recognised standards such as EN 15804+A2:2019 and ISO 14025, each EPD includes key metrics like Global Warming Potential (GWP) and assesses the product’s effect on air, soil, and water. By enabling comparisons between materials and supporting certifications such as LEED and BREEAM, EPDs help customers make informed, sustainable choices while empowering manufacturers like Vexve to optimise product design and reduce carbon impact.

Through partnerships like this, Ultravalve continues to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

Driving Sustainability Through Science and Innovation

Ultravalve is also proud to support environmental research and development. A prime example is the BIFoR FACE project, led by the University of Birmingham. Over the last eight years, Ultravalve has supplied more than 200 butterfly valves and Valbia actuators to simulate elevated CO₂ levels in a mature Staffordshire woodland. These components have proven remarkably reliable and play a critical role in helping scientists better understand carbon absorption and the long-term impact of climate change on forest ecosystems.

Working with like-minded partners such as Vexve and Mondeo enables Ultravalve to continue delivering future-ready valve solutions that support both our customers and the planet.

On World Earth Day, we’re proud to celebrate the role our products and partnerships play in driving sustainable progress—helping industries operate more efficiently, responsibly, and with a long-term commitment to protecting our planet!

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Meet the Team at Ultravalve

At Ultravalve, our success is driven by the people behind the scenes—dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals who work together to deliver trusted flow control solutions across a wide range of industries. From sales and technical support to customer service, operations and beyond, every team member plays a vital role in supporting our customers and upholding the Ultravalve name.

In this feature, we’re celebrating the people who make it all happen. Get to know the Ultravalve team—their experience, what they enjoy most about their roles, and a glimpse into life outside of work.

Leadership & Strategy

Bill Brach – Managing Director

Bill founded Ultravalve in 1986, bringing a wealth of experience from his early career as a BSS apprentice and later as a senior salesman. Since then, he has grown the business from the ground up, leading with a clear vision and a hands-on approach. As Managing Director, Bill oversees major projects, manages the company’s day-to-day operations, and plays a key role in mentoring and supporting the next generation of the team. He takes great pride in the strong, family-like atmosphere he has cultivated at Ultravalve, where dedication and ambition are at the heart of the company culture.

Outside of work, Bill leads an active lifestyle. He enjoys playing golf, practising yoga, attending spin classes, swimming, and spending quality time with his grandchildren—all of which help him stay energised and keep up with them.

Thomas Brach – Sales Manager

Thomas, known to everyone as Tonk, has been with Ultravalve for over nine years, bringing a background in Business Management and Economics to his role. He joined the company shortly after graduating from university, stepping into the family business founded by his father. As Sales Manager, Tonk has many responsibilities, including customer visits, managing significant projects, overseeing day-to-day office operations, and tackling challenges. What he enjoys most about working at Ultravalve is the people – both within the team and among the company’s diverse customer base.

Outside of work, Tonk enjoys staying active by going to the gym, playing football, and spending quality time with friends and family. He has a particular love for Chinese cuisine—anything salt and chilli-flavoured is a firm favourite.

Field Operations

Scott Warby – RPZ Manager

Scott has been with Ultravalve for over 18 years, bringing with him a background in computing and business and prior experience as a lab manager. He initially joined the company to build its website, but his role has evolved significantly. Now, as RPZ Manager, Scott is responsible for carrying out risk assessments and method statements, travelling to customer sites to test and repair RPZ valves, and supporting the team with IT-related issues. What he enjoys most about working at Ultravalve is the variety of locations he visits – from football stadiums to military bases – making each day different from the last.

Outside of work, Scott enjoys staying active at the gym and unwinding with video games.

Alan Parkes – RPZ Engineer

Alan has been with Ultravalve for an impressive 28 years, bringing a strong background in plumbing to his role. When he first joined the company, he completed his RPZ Testing qualification and has been testing valves ever since – dating back to when they were first introduced to the UK market. As an RPZ Engineer, Alan begins his day at the office collecting tools and parts before heading out to various sites to test and repair RPZ valves throughout the day.

Outside work, Alan is a passionate football fan and a proud West Brom season ticket holder. He follows the team both at home and away whenever he can. He also enjoys spending time outdoors, mainly walking through local nature reserves.

Tom Horton – Process Valves Sales Manager

Tom Horton has been with Bonomi/Ultravalve for just over two years and is responsible for managing sales of process valves across the UK. No two days are the same for Tom—whether he’s on customer visits, supporting in the warehouse, or delivering urgent orders, he thrives on the variety and fast pace of the role.

With a background in sales, Tom finds the valve industry both challenging and rewarding, and values the family-like atmosphere at Ultravalve. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his young daughter and following Wolverhampton Wanderers up and down the country.

Ryan Lunn – Internal Sales Process Manager

Ryan has been with Ultravalve for just under a year, bringing a strong background in the valve industry. Having grown up around the sector—his father ran a valve company, and his brothers also work in the industry—he developed a solid understanding of the field early on. His role involves chasing enquiries, processing orders, dispatching goods, and connecting with new customers. What he enjoys most about working at Ultravalve is the fast-paced nature of the job and the close-knit, family-like team environment.

Outside work, Ryan enjoys playing golf, spending time with friends at the pub—his drink of choice is a Staropramen—and relaxing with his two much-loved dogs, a German Pointer and a miniature poodle.

Quality, Admin & Support

Helen Hingley – Quality Manager

Helen has been with Ultravalve for over 20 years, bringing a wealth of administrative experience to her current role. Helen is responsible for managing the company’s quality accreditations, overseeing ISO standards, and supporting the accounts department with tasks such as managing the purchase ledger and preparing quotes. She enjoys the variety her role brings and is very satisfied with the diverse nature of her responsibilities.

Outside of work, Helen enjoys unwinding at home. Her favourite way to relax is watching TV, usually accompanied by her two beloved Staffordshire Bull Terriers. These cosy evenings perfectly balance her busy and rewarding work life.

Sharon Withers – Admin and Accounts

Sharon has been with Ultravalve since 2002, bringing a broad range of experience from previous office roles into her current position. She is responsible for managing bills, handling emails, checking bank transactions, and overseeing credit control to ensure payments are received promptly. What Sharon values most about working at Ultravalve is the supportive and understanding company culture.

Sharon enjoys spending time reading, and being with her children and grandchildren outside work. She is particularly interested in non-fiction and true crime, especially stories with a psychological focus. She’s an avid reader of memoirs and real-life crime accounts, most recently diving into Britney Spears’ The Woman in Me.

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