We are pleased to announce a significant leadership update at Ultravalve Ltd, as we welcome Jason Hill into the role of Sales Director.

Jason brings with him over 37 years of experience at Bonomi UK Ltd, where he has played a pivotal role in driving commercial growth and shaping business strategy. His deep understanding of the industry, coupled with his hands-on involvement in major milestones such as the acquisitions of Prolasa in 2000 and Ultravalve Ltd in 2016, makes him uniquely qualified to lead Ultravalve into its next phase of development.

Adrian Farnham (Left) Jason Hill (Right)

This appointment comes at a time of change, as Jason steps into the role following the forthcoming retirement of Bill Brach, Managing Director of Ultravalve Ltd. Bill has led the company for nearly 40 years, establishing a reputation for integrity, reliability, and first class customer support. His legacy will be reflected in Ultravalve’s continued growth and commitment to excellence. The transition also coincides with our move to brand new premises at the beginning of 2025 – a major milestone for the business.

I’m honoured to be taking on this new role at such a pivotal time for Ultravalve. Having been involved in the company’s development since its acquisition, I look forward to building on the solid foundations that Bill has established. There’s huge potential ahead as we continue to invest in our people, infrastructure and customer offering.”

Jason Hill

Jason’s leadership will strengthen the alignment between Ultravalve Ltd and our sister company, Bonomi UK Ltd, enhancing our product offering and reinforcing our joint position in the marketplace. His appointment also reflects the wider group’s strategic investment in resources and infrastructure, designed to expand capabilities and deliver even greater value to our customers.

After nearly four decades with Ultravalve, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. I’ve had the privilege of working with some outstanding colleagues and customers over the years, and I’m confident that Jason’s experience and leadership will ensure Ultravalve continues to thrive long into the future.”

Bill Brach

We extend our sincere thanks to Bill for his decades of service and contribution, and we look forward to a smooth and successful transition as Jason takes the helm.

Please join us in congratulating Jason on his new role.

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!

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.

A fresh logo and a new home for a new era of excellence

2025 is set to be a transformative year for Ultravalve. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are thrilled to announce two major milestones: the launch of our modern new logo and our move to a larger, state-of-the-art premises at Westminster Industrial Estate, Cradley Road, Cradley Heath, DY2 9SW.

Our new logo symbolises much more than a fresh aesthetic—it represents Ultravalve’s ongoing commitment to innovation, customer service, and industry leadership. This rebrand marks the beginning of an exciting chapter as we expand our capabilities and refine our services to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers.

More Space, More Stock, More Options
From Thursday, 2nd January 2025, we will be fully operational from our new premises. This move to a larger facility enables us to significantly increase our stock holding, allowing us to offer same-day dispatch on an even broader range of products. It’s all part of our mission to provide faster, more efficient solutions while maintaining the exceptional quality you’ve come to expect from Ultravalve.

A Comprehensive Range of Industry-Leading Products
Ultravalve is proud to supply an extensive range of industrial valves and process solutions from some of the world’s leading manufacturers, including Vexve, Mondeo, ARI Armaturen, Gemü, Honeywell-Resideo, Watts, Goetze, Masoneilan, Valbia, Valpres, CMO, and more. In partnership with the Bonomi Automation Centre, we also offer bespoke valve packages, ensuring we can deliver the perfect solution for your specific needs.

Expert Services Beyond Supply
At Ultravalve, we don’t just supply products—we provide complete solutions. From installation, commissioning, and testing of RPZ valves to overhaul, repair, testing, and recertification services, our expert team is here to support your business. Additionally, we offer a wide range of WRAS-approved products, including Butterfly valves, Pressure reducing valves, Ball valves, and Non-return valves.

Your Trusted Partner for Valve Solutions
Our technical experts are always available to assist with valve applications, offering tailored advice and support to ensure you receive the best solutions for your requirements.

As we unveil our modern new logo and settle into our new home, we look forward to continuing to provide the reliable, high-quality service that Ultravalve is known for.

Stay tuned for more updates as we bring our refreshed brand to life and celebrate this exciting new chapter. Contact us today to learn more about how Ultravalve can support your business.

Ultravalve Christmas Shutdown Announcement: Important Dates and Holiday Wishes 🎄

As the festive season approaches, we at Ultravalve want to take a moment to thank our valued customers, partners, and suppliers for another successful year. It’s been a fantastic journey filled with exciting projects, new collaborations, and the ongoing support of our trusted network. Now, it’s time for our team to take a well-earned break to rest, recharge, and enjoy the holiday season with family and friends.

Christmas Shutdown Dates 📅

To help you plan your orders and inquiries, please be aware of our upcoming Christmas shutdown schedule:

  • Closing Date: Wednesday, 20th December 2024, at 16:30
  • Reopening Date: Thursday, 2nd January 2025, at 08:30

During this period, our offices and facilities will be closed, so we encourage you to plan ahead. Any orders placed before the shutdown will be processed promptly to ensure delivery where possible. If you have urgent requirements or need assistance with scheduling, please contact our customer support team before the 20th of December. We’ll be more than happy to help with any last-minute requests.

Planning Your Orders

We understand that many businesses continue operating through the holiday season, and we want to ensure that your needs are met seamlessly. To avoid disruptions and ensure smooth processing, please place any urgent orders well before the shutdown. If you place an order on the 20th of December, we will do our best to arrange delivery on or before Friday, 22nd December. However, please reach out with any specific questions or delivery concerns, and our team will assist you.

Reflecting on 2024

This year has been one of growth and development for Ultravalve. We’ve expanded our product offerings, strengthened our service capabilities, and continued to build lasting relationships with our clients. We’re incredibly grateful for the trust you place in us, and we look forward to working with you in the new year.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we enter the new year, we are excited to bring you even more innovative solutions and exceptional service. We have many exciting projects lined up and can’t wait to continue partnering with you to meet your fluid control needs.

Thank You for Your Support

On behalf of everyone at Ultravalve, we wish you a joyful and restful holiday season. Thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout 2024. We look forward to reconnecting in the new year and helping you achieve even greater success in 2025.

Happy Holidays from the Ultravalve Team! 🎅🌟

We’re thrilled to announce some major developments happening at Ultravalve as we continue to expand and enhance our services. With our move to a new, larger premises at Westminster Industrial Estate, Cradley Road, Cradley Heath, DY2 9SW, we’ve increased our stock holding, allowing us to offer same day dispatch on an even broader range of products. This expansion means more options for our customers. We will be fully operational from our new address from Thursday 2nd January 2025.

In addition to our extensive range of industrial valves and process solutions, we are proud to offer products from leading manufacturers such as: Vexve, Mondeo, ARI Armaturen, Gemü, Honeywell- Resideo, Watts, Goetze, Masoneilan, Valbia, Valpres, CMO and many more. We also provide valve packages through our partnership with the Bonomi Automation Centre, enabling us to deliver comprehensive solutions for your specific needs.

Our services go beyond supply — we offer installation, commissioning, and testing of RPZ valves, as well as a full range of WRAS-approved Butterfly valves, Pressure reducing valves, Ball valves and Non-return valves. Our expert team is also available to provide complete overhaul, repair, testing, and recertification services across our entire product range.

Our technical experts are on hand to assist with all valve applications, ensuring you receive the best solutions tailored to your requirements. Contact us today to learn more about how Ultravalve can support your business with high-quality products and expert advice.

Tel: 01384 411 888

Fax: 01384 411 114

Emailsales@ultravalve.co.uk

Ultravalve’s Role in BIFoR FACE: A Eight-Year Success Story in Environmental Research

Ultravalve has been a key partner in the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research’s (BIFoR) Free-Air Carbon Enrichment (FACE) project, a pioneering environmental research initiative by the University of Birmingham. Launched Eight years ago, this project continues to explore the effects of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels on mature oak woodlands, providing crucial insights into the potential impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems.

Located in a mature temperate woodland in Staffordshire, the BIFoR FACE project uses rings of towers that release CO2 into the open air, simulating future atmospheric conditions with higher CO2 levels. This setup allows researchers to study the long-term effects on trees, soil, and the entire forest ecosystem. The data gathered is essential for understanding the role of forests in carbon sequestration and for developing strategies to meet net-zero targets.

During a recent conversation with Dr. Kris Hart, Head of Operations for BIFoR, he detailed the essential role Ultravalve played in the project by supplying 200 butterfly valves and actuators. These valves are critical components of the system that controls CO2 distribution within the experimental plots, allowing the research team to maintain precise CO2 levels and simulate future environmental conditions.

Dr. Hart described how the butterfly valves supplied by Ultravalve have performed exceptionally well over the past seven years. They are part of a sophisticated control system that adjusts the CO2 flow based on real-time environmental data, including wind direction and speed. The valves ensure that the enriched CO2 atmosphere is accurately maintained, despite the natural fluctuations of outdoor conditions.

The durability and reliability of the Ultravalve butterfly valves have been remarkable, with only 1 out of the 200 supplied needed to be replaced during the project’s continuous eight-year span, even in the challenging and varied conditions of a woodland environment. Dr. Hart emphasised that the reliability of these valves is invaluable to the project, as it minimises downtime and reduces the need for costly replacements or maintenance. This reliability allows the research team to concentrate on their scientific objectives without interruptions, highlighting the importance of high-quality equipment in long-term environmental studies.

Ultravalve’s contributions to the BIFoR FACE project demonstrate the company’s commitment to supporting critical environmental research. By providing robust and dependable solutions, Ultravalve is not only aiding scientific discovery but also playing a role in addressing the broader challenges of climate change. As the BIFoR FACE project continues to advance our understanding of forest ecosystems and carbon dynamics, Ultravalve’s reliable valves remain an integral part of this groundbreaking research.