Vortex Companies Expands its UK Footprint

Global Trenchless Provider Acquires Torrent Drainage Services, Announces MaxLiner UK Grand Opening

With the addition of Torrent Drainage Services, McAllister Group expands its field capabilities as the UK water sector enters a major infrastructure investment and delivery cycle. The new MaxLiner UK business will be a one-stop shop for trenchless infrastructure rehabilitation liners, repair materials, equipment, training and technical support.

Torrent Drainage Services

The Vortex Companies’ acquisition of the business and operating assets of Torrent Drainage Services Limited expands the field resources and technical capabilities of McAllister, a Vortex company. This moves strengthens Vortex’s ability to execute rehabilitation projects across the UK.

“AMP8 represents a significant commitment to improving the UK’s water and wastewater infrastructure, but ultimately that investment has to translate into work delivered in the field,” says Mike Vellano, CEO of Vortex Companies. “Torrent adds an experienced team that already knows McAllister, our customers and our expectations. Bringing that capability into Vortex gives us additional capacity and flexibility to execute projects efficiently as investment in the UK’s infrastructure accelerates.”

Torrent provides cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, patch installations and repairs, sewer cleaning and CCTV inspection, and robotic lateral reinstatement. Its team has worked alongside McAllister on rehabilitation projects in the UK, providing Vortex with an established base of operational experience on which to build.

“Torrent gives us a skilled team that understands both the work and the standards we expect in the field,” said Dan Watson, senior vice president of Vortex International. “Integrating those resources with McAllister improves how we plan, mobilize and execute projects. It gives us greater control over scheduling and field resources and allows us to respond to customer requirements with more flexibility.”

Torrent’s operations will become part of McAllister, increasing its capacity to self-perform trenchless rehabilitation work and extending its field resources in the UK. The combination is designed to improve coordination from project planning through execution while giving customers access to a broader base of trenchless expertise, equipment and technical support.

“Joining Vortex builds on the vision I had when I started Torrent—to deliver exceptional work and become a trusted partner to our customers,” added Gregg Sanders. “Our values are closely aligned, and I am excited to bring our experience and capabilities to Vortex while creating new opportunities for our employees as part of a larger organization with greater resources and reach.”

MaxLiner UK

On Sept. 29, MaxLiner UK announced the grand opening of its new operation. This establishes a dedicated local resource for plumbing contractors, specialist rehabilitation contractors, and water and sewerage companies across the UK.

“The UK is entering a generational infrastructure renewal cycle, creating significant demand for proven trenchless rehabilitation technologies,” says Vellano. “With record investment planned through 2030 and a growing need to extend the life of ageing underground assets, Our focus is simple: provide the solutions and expertise to help our customers renew critical infrastructure faster, more efficiently and with less disruption to the communities they serve.”

MaxLiner UK is a joint venture between Applied Felts and Vortex Companies, created to bring together a broad portfolio of trenchless technologies, products, and expertise to meet the UK’s growing infrastructure rehabilitation needs.

“Applied Felts has always focused on manufacturing dependable, high-quality lining products that help contractors achieve consistent results in the field,” says Alex Johnson of Applied Felts. “This partnership brings our liner manufacturing knowledge together with Vortex’s extensive product, equipment and service capabilities. MaxLiner UK gives customers a complete, locally supported solution backed by two organisations with a shared commitment to quality, innovation and customer success.”

The operation will provide customers with convenient access to ambient, hot cure, LED and UV CIPP liners and corresponding resin systems; geopolymer linings and epoxy coatings; inversion drums and UV curing equipment; cutting and robotic technologies; and supporting accessories.

“Beyond products and equipment, MaxLiner UK will serve as a comprehensive resource for the trenchless contracting community, providing practical training, technical guidance, equipment service and ongoing field support to help contractors expand their capabilities, improve productivity and successfully deliver the next generation of infrastructure rehabilitation projects,” states Dan Watson, managing director of Vortex International. “The Wakefield operation will be fully operational, with a stocked warehouse and wetout facility. Q1 of 2027 will see our new southern facility, this will include service centre, training centre, and showroom. We’re here to support the market and deliver solutions when and where our customers need them.”

The opening strengthens the MaxLiner and Vortex presence across the United Kingdom and supports the growing demand for sustainable, minimally disruptive alternatives to traditional excavation and pipe replacement.

SOURCE – Vortex Companies

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