JMI Earthing Services has been providing the technical safety net for numerous companies projects the world over for some years now, but as with all things at the FM Sudafix Group, its development is by no means complete. As the ability of JMI to provide professional, effective, value engineered solutions for construction disciplines such as specialist earthing / grounding, coordinated surge protection systems, stray current management, cathodic protection systems and rail earthing / grounding elements is a core reason for customers returning to the FM Sudafix Group it was imperative that the resources behind the organisation were commensurate with the level of demand.
This week FM Sudafix Group Chief Executive Steve Hutchinson joined with JMI Earthing Technical Director John Maher and FM Sudafix Group General Manager to outline the future of JMI. Steve Hutchinson stated: “I have long regarded JMI as the jewel in the crown of FM Sudafix, and I find it very exciting to see this well respected brand continue to advance. Its services are sought by so many, so frequently, for a good reason and that is one of the many special factors that JMI continues to have such an enduring relevance in this sector.”
Focusing on the customer experience, the top management have identified new methods to enhance the JMI team including extra human resource, new process management techniques, and new technology. John Maher, the man who established JMI, proudly commented, “In honesty I never really expected that the company would ever command such a dominant position in our market segments of operation. Essentially we just wanted to offer a great service to our customers and in truth so much of the ongoing successes are really based upon the support of our customers. With the new enhancements I am quite confident that JMI will be making a real difference.”
FM Sudafix Group General Manager Calum Heath, who originally joined the FM Sudafix Group as part of the JMI technical team, was confident about the future of the organisation, “JMI means something, whether it is for our clients who have problems with substation earthing / grounding systems or whether it is our valued partners in light rail with whom we help with tram earthing or bonding / coupling or to help them effectively manage stray current. I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure that JMI continues to operate at the high standards it has come to represent and by embracing these new approaches we will be pushing JMI to the next level; Steve, John and I couldn’t be happier.”
The recent quarterly economic survey conducted by the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce indicated that businesses in the East Midlands had continued to experience the ongoing challenges brought about by the global economic downturn. The FM Sudafix Group is based in Nottingham but unlike other companies based within the region has continued to demonstrate strength throughout the period. FM Sudafix Group General Manager, Calum Heath, was interviewed by a local news programme to discuss the remarkable achievements of the company that continue to buck the trend both regionally, and nationally. Calum Heath told the website team, “I was pleased to be able to discuss our successes with the news crew; but I think I fell victim to some unfortunate editing, because I am sure I was more articulate than that for the rest of the interview!” Calum said with a smile.
Railways have always attracted the attention of criminals and vandals due to the value of the various cables used in the systems, but FM Sudafix is developing solutions to reduce the need for copper in rail earthing / grounding systems. As the value of copper has sold high in recent weeks, following a three year broadly trended increase on the London Metal Exchange, the attraction of stealing copper cable is unlikely to diminish, and this coincides with FM Sudafix Group’s technical team working to reduce the reliance of rail systems on copper items in their earthing arrangements. Police and internal security forces all over the world have to face the problem of copper theft, and this is no exception in the UK, where the FM Sudafix Group operates on a number of systems providing effective design solutions and earthing / grounding materials, including cable.
The British Transport Police have been taking significant steps in pursuing copper thieves and bringing them to justice, which is well documented by the BBC in instances such as: here where a unit from the force undertakes a raid at a suspected copper thief’s home. With copper thefts costing rail systems a rumoured £770m a year, it is reported that the only higher priority for the British Transport Police is terrorism and as such it is evident that their noted efforts are only likely to increase.
It is not only rail systems that fall victim to vandals and thieves who seek copper, as everything from telecommunications sites to power infrastructure and utilities are likely to incorporate some form of copper in its electrical safety provision. As such the FM Sudafix Group is committed to ensuring it remains an effective part of the supply chain to provide earthing / grounding system products, specialist rail and power cables, amongst other products, in the shortest possible lead in time. Whilst the FM Sudafix Group prides itself on its responsiveness, where it really excels is in the proactive development of electrical safety systems which protect copper elements, or remove the need for them entirely. Our technical team will be happy to help so if copper theft and vandalism is a concern then please get in touch.
The unrest in countries like Egypt, Tunisia, Bahrain and Libya is concerning for British companies who trade in those markets, but not just for commercial reasons. FM Sudafix Group Strategy & Communications Director, Sean Elliott-Maher, was contacted by the BBC through their Radio Nottingham branch to discuss the impact that it was having on businesses in the East Midlands of the UK. Also joined in the debate by George Cowcher, the Chief Executive of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, Elliott-Maher highlighted that the whilst the Arabian markets were very important to ongoing business concerns that the most important aspect to consider is the humanitarian aspect.
One of the areas of discussion was what would be the domestic (UK) consequences if the unrest continued and expanded across to the Gulf States (GCC region); Sean Elliott-Maher stated that whilst he thought that it was unlikely to spread throughout the territory it could have a dramatic impact, potentially costing the company tens of millions of pounds, but that even in that worst case scenario every proactive measure would be taken to protect jobs and reassign staff to domestic projects, but that “difficult decisions” could not be ruled out; the website has asked him to elaborate:
“First and foremost I want to go on the record as stating that the FM Sudafix Group is most concerned, above anything else, with the human cost in the unrest because you cannot view these events at arms length; however that does not mean that we can sidestep the issue of what it could mean to the business performance and scope of operations for the company. Much of the current tone of debate is reactionary and almost alarmist when discussing the impacts on business caused by the events in the Arab world. We need to consider the root causes of what has generated the unrest. The people of the Middle East and Arabic countries of Africa share many of the same values as people in any other part of the world, and unrest is more likely in any society when you have concentrated centres of dissatisfied or disenfranchised poor, once these conditions are present then riots can occur and even transform into outright revolt, which is what we have seen.
“The FM Sudafix Group works in these countries, just like other international markets, on significant projects with a specific focus on power generation and transmission, telecommunication infrastructure and rail projects, which are the exact sorts of projects that require if not government funding then government sanction. A decentralised or disbanded government makes these sorts of projects difficult if not impossible, but they are necessary and as such will resume when stability is established. Will unrest spread throughout the GCC? I doubt it due to a higher standard of living and civically minded governments, which is an observation based upon inward investment, not a value judgment which would be beyond my limited experience. If it were to spread though, in a worst case scenario, on a purely business level it would cost the company tens of millions of pounds. Would such a situation result in company collapse? Not at all, we are not that dependent upon the market, but it would make things difficult.
“Also there has been an argument voiced that there is a moral question as to whether British companies should be working with these countries at all, which I think is such a narrow minded view and I believe during our discussion with the BBC George Crowcher addressed particularly well. The point is that Britain generates talented people and can provide specialist products and the people of countries all over the world can benefit from them. If British companies are helping to bring effective power, communications, safe water systems, effective transport and other vital services to the people of these countries. I am proud of our humanitarian efforts and the support we provide to developing countries, we very much consider ourselves a conscience and we always attempt to drive resources into the communities that generate our success. Businesses are run by people, and business is conducted between people, so the situation facing people in these regions is of paramount importance. I have friends and colleagues in these areas, just like everyone else in the company, and their health and wellbeing is essential. On a personal level I believe that no government should enact violence upon its people, wherever it is in the world and that wholly transcends any business issue. It is a moral responsibility for governments to act as a defender of its people, not as an aggressor, and that value should not be confined to judgements of the Arab world. I trust that recent unrest and responses offer lessons and reminders to all governments.
“In a worst case scenario we may have to take difficult decisions, but that would only happen after we had exhausted every opportunity to allocate human resource to other territories or domestic projects. The actual situation, as our team knows, is that we will continue to actively look to expand our team, so reducing staff levels could not be further from our ambition or business plan. Both internal and external parties need to focus on doing what we can to ensure a lasting peaceful settlement is reached and get back to providing our expertise and products to benefit these nations as soon as possible.”
It is the first major exhibition in the calendar and the Middle East Electricity Exhibition never disappoints! This year the FM Sudafix Group was represented at the MEEE in Dubai by Group Chief Executive Steve Hutchinson and Technical Director John Maher. The FM Sudafix top brass were inundated with people who were keen to establish the ways in which the company can support and supply their projects and ongoing endeavours. Located as a feature part of the Ducab exhibition stand the FM Sudafix Group managed to capture the imagination and impress their visitors, which typifies what the exhibition is really about: meeting new people, and sharing innovations in techniques, products and approaches. One visitor remarked, “The Steve Hutchinson and John Maher double act is really something to behold; they bounce off each other so well, immediately striking a warm rapport with us all. Whilst it was funny to hear some of their stories, one thing came across very powerfully, and that is their huge experience of this sector, they know everyone and have worked on every kind of project you could imagine. I’ve never worked with them before but I can’t wait to get our grounding systems with FM Sudafix.” Steve Hutchinson managed to grab a breath after three days of non-stop meetings and with a hoarse voice told the website team: “What a wonderful exhibition this has been! John and I have been rushed off our feet over the last few days but we have had a great time. Everyone that we have met has responded so positively to the FM Sudafix portfolio of products and services. I think the LME (London Metal Exchange) played a part its part in the interest in Conducrete® as well; certainly with copper trading at in excess of $10,000.00 per tonne earthing / grounding systems which reduce the requirement for non-ferrous metals was likely to appeal to everyone! We would like to thank everyone who came up to meet us at the exhibition and we look forward to working with them in future.”
The Super Middle Weight Champion of the World made an appearance at the GMB Nottingham Panthers match against the Sheffield Steelers at the Capital FM Arena over the Christmas period. Wearing his FM Sudafix Group sponsored Panthers shirt with pride Carl ‘The Cobra’ Froch received a standing ovation from fans of the Sheffield Steelers and the GMB Nottingham Panthers alike. FM Sudafix Group Chief Executive Steve Hutchinson commented, “Seeing our company logo on Carl’s shirt is a highlight of 2010 for me, he is a tenacious fighter and a fantastic Champion. Panthers fans are familiar with our strap line ‘internationally respected and proud to be from Nottingham’ but on the night I’m happy to say that Carl deserved it more than us. Once upon a time I was a keen boxer and I often recollect my bouts, but I’ll concede I was never Froch’s standard; The Cobra is a different class.”
The FM Sudafix Group sponsored match between the GMB Nottingham Panthers and the Newcastle Vipers at the Capital FM Arena led to a record breaking result. The GMB Nottingham Panthers maintained a shut-out whilst the goal scorers were so hot that the final tally had 15 on the board and it could have been more. Fans, commentators and journalists alike concurred that a number of GMB Nottingham Panthers players were (charitably speaking) merciful in some of their finishing. FM Sudafix Group Strategy & Communications Director, Sean Elliott-Maher enjoyed the match from both the corporate box and ice side prior to awarding the Man of the Match for each team; he commented on the night, “the players have entertained the thousands of fans in the Capital FM Arena tonight, and that includes my colleagues and our guests. I’ll be honest I always prefer to watch the matches in the bowl but I hope that we contributed enough atmosphere to the evening from the rafters.” When asked his reasoning for why Corey Neilson was awarded Panthers Man of the Match instead of one of the snipers, he stated, “Corey, like any defensive player, deserves Man of the Match far more often than he actually gets it because people forget that scoring more goals than your opponents relies not only on your firepower, but also on your team’s ability to stop opposition goals. Corey and his fellow defencemen were challenging the puck carriers high up the ice to ensure that it didn’t manifest as a threat, and when the Vipers managed to get behind our blue line they made sure that K-Wall didn’t have too much to do. Corey Neilson has had an incredibly challenging week, but tonight he and his players demonstrated what they could do, and how they have the ability to deliver what Panthers fans deserve; now we need to see that commitment and performance repeated in both legs of the final, which will be against either the Belfast Giants or Cardiff Devils, both are teams we have beaten and should beat again, because this counts for everything.”
Rail infrastructure projects are always exciting. Measuring progress on construction projects will obviously vary, however in rail progress is usually measured in kilometres or miles of track, and I think that is incredible, which is one of the reasons that I take great satisfaction the FM Sudafix Group presence on so many rail projects.
But what do rail customers seek when they come to the FM Sudafix Group? It could be a range of things. Usually first contact is made when project consultants or designers require assistance with the notoriously difficult task of specifying and designing effective earthing / grounding systems or to determine bonding / coupling requirements to ensure that lineside infrastructure does not present a hazard to the public. It could also be the task of designing, specifying and determining the requisite quality control and testing measures to establish effective control of stray current; indeed stray current management systems are frequently required. Obviously the JMI technical team has a long history of supporting these projects and I know that I speak for John Maher and his team when I say it is always a pleasure to help and form a safety net of support for project teams.
But let us presume that the conscientious and prudent project team have contacted JMI for its technical services, is that where the FM Sudafix Group ends when it comes to rail projects? No, far from it. These projects require high performance and robust products in order to provide electrically safe zones. FM Sudafix supplies a whole range of rail specific products, as well as materials with attributes that make them ideal for rail projects, such as Conducrete conductive concrete. FM Sudafix rail products include rail drills, rail cable, rail contact kits, pre-made rail bonds, stray current collector cable, surge protection devices (SPDs), voltage limiting devices (VLDs) including products that have been specifically designed to meet light rail / tram performance criteria, rail earthing / grounding materials and testing equipment for a range of rail electrical resistance performance requirements.
Whilst we always like to see the entire range being used on rail projects the best sellers are certainly the rail contact kits, which are used to affix rail bonds to the rail. They have to meet stringent performance and quality standards and are designed to be quick and easy to install. Rail contact kits are sometimes referred to as rail bonding kits or rail coupling kits, but essentially they all describe the same function. If customers decide to use our pre-manufactured rail bonds / rail couplers service they are complete and ready to install to pre-drilled rail using a rail contact kit the second they arrive on site.
Whether it is a sector leading JMI service or a robust and effective product the FM Sudafix Group is an ideal choice of partner for all rail projects, and it is for this reason that the company is sought the world over. Want to know more? Please get in touch with the team.
Whilst many domestic visitors to the website will still be saddened at the announcement that the delegation was not successful in its bid to host the 2018 World Cup, our international visitors may be pleased to hear that the reputed ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ will be hosted by Russia and the following tournament in Qatar. As much as the FM Sudafix Group would have been delighted to support the domestic World Cup developments had the bid team been successful, it is still fully committed to helping both Russia and Qatar get ready for the tournaments.
Hosting the World Cup be it Russia 2018 , Qatar 2022, or any other future tournament, obviously places considerable demands on a country’s infrastructure and in order to make the various stadia both ready and accessible will require a phenomenal investment and effective deployment of rail resource. The FM Sudafix Group is a recognised specialist supplier of technical services and products for the vital stage of any rail construction project, being the electrical safety aspect. Offering support in earthing / grounding , stray current management , surge protection , lighting protection and offering services such as design , consultancy , problem resolution , and support. Both Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 are likely to encounter problems with the ground resistivity at a number of locations and potentially face challenges of theft or earthing / grounding materials, fortunately Conducrete conductive concrete will assist both countries despite them enjoying very different climates due to its robust performance attributes.
Whether clients require the technical services of JMI Earthing or effective and reliable products the FM Sudafix Group will be able to form part of the support safety net for the project, be it Russia 2018 , Qatar 2022 , or any other significant rail construction project.
Whether the rail project teams require help with any technical service such as their earthing / grounding bonding / coupling designs or whether they need materials to help with installations on something such as signalling earthing / grounding the FM Sudafix Group will be happy to help.
Working in the lightning protection segment of the electrical safety sector often means that you come across some dramatic, often quite terrifying, photographs of the effects of lightning. Burning buildings or sensitive electronic machinery are commonplace images and each time someone from the FM Sudafix Group sees them it is disappointing because invariably that damage could have been avoided if an effective system had been designed and installed. That being said occasionally we are fortunate enough to see photographs of the lightning event captured as it happened. Every time a photographer manages to capture an image of lightning it is impressive because the moment that lightning is visible is incredibly brief.
Such is the difficulty in taking a good photograph of lightning that some people devote an enormous amount of time to the endeavour, such as the person who had spent so many years trying to photograph lightning striking The Statue of Liberty. Often these photographers are amateurs, but this does not mean that their work is not frequently impressive such as American Sean Heavey who has captured some wonderful photos. Click on his name to read more about his work that has so impressed the National Geographic.
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JMI Earthing Services has been providing the technical safety net for numerous companies projects the world over for some years now, but as with all things at the FM Sudafix Group, its development is by no means complete. As the ability of JMI to provide professional, effective, value engineered solutions for construction disciplines such as specialist earthing / grounding, coordinated surge protection systems, stray current management, cathodic protection systems and rail earthing / grounding elements is a core reason for customers returning to the FM Sudafix Group it was imperative that the resources behind the organisation were commensurate with the level of demand.
