FT Pipeline Systems

What FT Pipeline Systems does

FT Pipeline Systems is a UK-based, privately held supplier of large-diameter coated and lined steel water pipes (600mm to 2000mm+) and a full range of associated pipeline accessories, serving UK water utilities, major infrastructure contractors, and engineering firms. The company was founded in the 1990s (with origins in a 1982 Robert Frazer patent for locking stop tap box lids) and is headquartered in Lichfield, Staffordshire, with a deliveries-only warehouse in Tamworth; it operates as part of the Frazer & Tabberer Group alongside FT Ductile, FT Water Treatment, and FT Gas Control.

Its core technology is the proprietary E Joint insulated socket-weld joint system, which uses an air pocket to prevent heat damage to internal epoxy linings during external welding and is now used on every large-diameter steel water pipeline in the UK. Supporting product lines include the Canusa range of field joint coatings (heat shrink sleeves, Stopaq cold-applied tapes, liquid epoxies, Scar-Guard) for which FT holds exclusive UK and Ireland distribution rights, Kwik-ZIP and APS bespoke pipe spacers including the new ApogeeAero anti-corkscrewing rollers, patented locking replacement stop tap box lids with an integrated Smart Lid antenna variant for leak detection logger signal transmission, plus flanges, end seals, pipe logistics systems, and ancillary accessories.

FTPS operates a direct enterprise field sales model, generating revenue through quote-based, project-by-project supply of pipe, fittings, coatings, spacers, and accessories, with full project management services covering requirements analysis, sourcing, logistics, on-site QA, and contractor documentation. Customers include virtually every UK water company (Anglian Water, United Utilities, Northumbrian Water, Scottish Water, Severn Trent Water, Yorkshire Water, South West Water, Southern Water) and major contractors such as Mott MacDonald Bentley, BAM Nuttall, and the Strategic Pipeline Alliance. Marketing is conducted through Lunch and Learn sessions, an FT Technical Centre with online calculators and datasheets, LinkedIn, YouTube, and toolbox talks with water company inspection teams. The company holds ISO 9001/14001/45001, DWI Regulation 31, Achilles, BS 5834, and Secured by Design accreditations.

Name

FT Pipeline Systems

Legal name

FT Pipeline Systems Limited

Website

https://ftpipelinesystems.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

UK-based, privately held supplier of large-diameter coated and lined steel water pipes, proprietary E Joint systems, and pipeline accessories to virtually every UK water company and major infrastructure contractors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Steel Water Pipeline Infrastructure

NAICS

Oil and Gas Pipeline and Related Structures Construction (237120), Other Metal Valve and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing (332919)

SIC

Water, Sewer, Pipeline, Comm & Power Line Construction (1623)

akta.pro primary industry

Plumbing & Pipefitting Contracting (IMAFALAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Treated Drinking Water Transmission Pipelines (Bulk Conveyance) (TLAGAHAB), Mechanical Piping & Pipefitting (Process/Utility Piping, Supports, Valves) (EUAEAFAD)

Keywords

• Steel water pipes
• Pipeline joint systems
• Field joint coatings
• Casing spacers
• Pipe accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

Lichfield

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Steel Water Pipe Supply & Project Management: FT Pipeline Systems supplies coated and lined large-diameter steel water pipes and manages all aspects of pipeline projects from sourcing pipe, applying coatings and linings, producing end joints, organising fittings, logistics, and supplying accessory products. Revenue is generated through direct project-based sales to UK water companies and contractors.
2. Pipe Accessories and Spacers: Supply of pipe accessories including spacers (Kwik-ZIP, APS bespoke), end seals, flanges, pipe end caps, locking lids, and field joint coatings. Products sourced from supply partners and distributed in the UK.
3. Complete Project Management Services: Full project management services including requirements analysis, competitive pricing negotiation, logistics management, on-site QA checks, and contractor documentation for complex pipeline projects.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

FT Pipeline Systems is the UK's leading supplier and project manager for large-diameter steel water pipeline infrastructure. It supplies coated and lined steel pipes (600mm–2000mm+) along with its proprietary E Joint welded joint system, Canusa field joint coatings, pipe spacers, locking lids, and accessories, managing projects from sourcing and specification through coatings, fittings, logistics, and on-site installation support.

Product overview

FT Pipeline Systems is the UK's leading supplier and project manager for water pipeline supply and implementation, offering a comprehensive portfolio of physical infrastructure products rather than a software platform. The core product line includes large diameter steel water pipes (600mm-2000mm) with the proprietary E Joint system developed in the 1990s for epoxy-lined steel pipelines, available with various joint types (Butt Weld, Socket Weld, Flanged). The company distributes Canusa field joint coatings including heat shrink sleeves, Stopaq cold applied tapes, liquid epoxies, and Scar-Guard abrasion protection. Supporting products include Kwik-ZIP and APS bespoke pipe spacers with ApogeeAero anti-corkscrewing rollers, pipe accessories (flanges, end seals, closure caps), Sealtaq Aquablock sealant, Loctite PC 7255 coating, and DefendaStrip anti-climb security. Stop tap box locking lids (including Smart variants with integrated antenna for leak detection signal transmission) are a key product line. Logistics tools include System88, Pipe Raiser, and Pipe Roller systems. Technical support is provided through FT Technical Centre calculators and Lunch and Learn sessions. The company is ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certified.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• E Joint System: An innovative pipe joint system developed by the company for welding steel water pipelines without damaging internal epoxy linings
• ApogeeAero
• CoverUp Key

Products and services

• Steel Water Pipes Large-diameter coated and lined steel water pipes (600mm to 2000mm+), epoxy or cement mortar lined and coated with 3-layer polyethylene or polypropylene, manufactured by Erciyas in Turkey to FTPS specification. Over 200km installed across the UK since AMP4 for potable water transmission and sewage treatment applications.
• E Joint System Proprietary spigot and socket pipe joint system with an air pocket that reduces heat transfer during external welding, preventing damage to internal epoxy linings and removing the need for man-entry repairs. Used on every large-diameter steel water pipeline in the UK.
• Butt Weld Joint External butt weld joint for potable water and sewage sludge pipelines, available in diameters from 80mm to 4000mm with steel grades L235, L275, L355 and pressure ratings from 1 to 150 bar.
• Socket Weld Joint Single external socket weld joint combining benefits of socket and welded pipe systems, with leak and corrosion protection. Available with cement mortar or epoxy linings compliant with DWI standards.
• Flanged Joint Flanged joint secured by external screws providing joint support for high-pressure substance transportation. Diameters from 80mm to 1400mm, no welding required.
• Canusa Heat Shrink Sleeves Heat-activated PE wraps for corrosion protection of all jointing methods, including K-40, K-60, KLON/KLNN, GTS PP, GTS PE, PLA, PMA, and DDX directional drilling sleeves. Distributed exclusively in the UK and Ireland by FTPS.
• Stopaq Cold Applied Tapes Non-toxic, prefabricated corrosion-preventative wraps cold-applied at ambient temperatures without curing, providing an impervious barrier against water and oxygen with minimal surface preparation and no hot work permit required.
• Canusa Liquid Epoxies Two-component liquid coating systems for standalone or primary corrosion protection, including High Build Epoxy (HBE) achieving 500–1000 micron thickness in a single coat, applied via Atomizer Gun and Cartridge System.
• Canusa Scar-Guard Moisture-curable polyurethane impregnated fibreglass joint coating system providing mechanical protection against abrasion and wear during directional drilling pull-through or backfilling operations.
• Bespoke Pipe Spacers Custom-designed pipe spacers from APS (Advanced Pipeline Solutions), available as PE casing spacers, FBE coated carbon steel, or stainless steel options with standard skids or ApogeeAero rollers. Typical delivery 2–3 weeks.
• Kwik-ZIP Off-the-Shelf Spacers Non-metallic casing spacers including HDX/HDXT series (medium-heavy pipe), HD series (trenchless), GT series (geotechnical), and 155/380 series. Made from engineered thermoplastic blend with low friction coefficient and 2–3 day delivery.
• Low Profile Skid Spacers (KMS/KAS) Bolted connection spacers with innovative skid design, KMS for pipes 400–1200mm OD and KAS for 98–380mm OD, made from UV-stabilized black polypropylene.
• ApogeeAero Anti-Corkscrewing Rollers Hardened-bearing roller spacers with zinc-plated axle and stainless steel caster that prevent casing pipe twisting during installation, reducing friction coefficient by 70% and increasing installation speeds up to 4.5m/minute.
• Locking Replacement Stop Tap Lids Patented anti-vandal locking lids with cast iron or ductile iron construction and plastic locking mechanism, available in over 450 different sizes. Saves approximately £250 per lid versus full reinstatement and is installed in minutes without excavation.
• Smart Lids with Integrated Antenna Fire hydrant lids with integrated antenna to allow leakage logger signals to transmit through, resolving intermittent signal issues caused by metal lids blocking 2G, 3G and NBIOT communications.
• Flanges Flanges per EN1092-1 for PN16 and PN25 pressure ratings.
• End Seals Rubber end seals (AC Pull-on, AM Molded, APC Cluster, AW Wrap-around, AMCE Molded Cone, AZ Zipper) for sealing casing ends, made of thick seamless neoprene rubber with stainless steel fixing bands.
• Pipe End Caps End caps made from woven polypropylene with rubber closure band, available for pipe sizes 80mm to 2000mm and for flanged pipe with drawstring closure. Lightweight, reusable, and recyclable.
• Sealtaq Aquablock Non-toxic synthetic compound impermeable sealant providing waterproofing, sealing and corrosion protection. Remains permanently flexible. Versions available up to 35°C (wet substrates) and 65°C (dry substrates).
• Loctite PC 7255 Sprayable Coating Spray-applied protective coating from Henkel for internal pump surfaces, forming a smooth, durable barrier against abrasion, corrosion, and chemical attack to extend asset life in water and wastewater applications.
• DefendaStrip Anti-Climb Product Weather-resistant polypropylene plastic anti-climb deterrent with defensive cones of irregular heights, accredited by Secured by Design and meeting police-preferred specification. Available in 5m, 20m, or 50m packs.
• CoverUp Key Manhole Lifting Tool Manhole lifting key providing 1.5 tonnes momentary upward force via slide hammer action, lifting stuck lids without chiselling or hammering. Non-slip rubber handles with multi-directional interchangeable tips.
• System88 Pipe Logistics Safe pipe logistics and transportation system by train or truck, adjustable for different pipe diameters (8 to 144 inches). Made from LDPE for coated pipes and certified by TÜV Germany.
• Pipeline Project Management Services End-to-end pipeline project management covering requirements analysis, competitive pricing negotiation, sourcing pipe from Erciyas and fittings from Lortub, applying coatings and linings, organising logistics, on-site QA checks, and contractor documentation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 200km of steel pipe installed across the UK since AMP 4
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Erciyas (Turkish Pipe Mill)coreTechnology or IntegrationAll large diameter water pipelines are manufactured by Erciyas, a Turkish pipe mill, to FT Pipeline Systems' specification. The E Joint pipe production is exclusive to this supplier. Erciyas holds DWI Regulation 31 approval. The mill increased production capacity by 600,000 tonnes per annum (up 25%) with acquisition of the Mersin plant to ensure Ejoint/socket pipework for the UK market is readily available.
• Lortub (NE France)coreTechnology or IntegrationE Joint fittings are manufactured by Lortub in NE France, who developed the E Joint system in partnership with FT Pipeline Systems 30 years ago. Lortub holds DWI Regulation 31 approval. Lortub has installed new PU and PE machines and drying ovens to strengthen the supply chain for Ejoint/socket fittings. FTPS and Lortub worked closely to rationalise close to 60 fittings on the Haweswater Aqueduct Hallbank project, saving the contractor approximately £300k.
• Canusa-CPScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFT Pipeline Systems is the exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland for Canusa-CPS heat shrink sleeves, cold applied tapes, liquid epoxies, Scar-Guard, and related corrosion protection products. Canusa products have been used in the UK for over 30 years. Canusa is owned by Seal for Life.
• Dhatec (Seal for Life)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDhatec, part of Seal for Life (owner of Canusa brand), specialises in line pipe logistic equipment including System88 pipe transportation, Pipe Raiser, and Pipe Roller systems. Through this partnership, FTPS offers complete pipe logistics and transportation solutions. Dhatec products are TÜV Germany certified.
• Kwik-ZIP (Australia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFTPS is the UK stockist and distributor for Kwik-ZIP casing spacers including HDXT, HDX, HD and GT Series. Products are manufactured in Australia by Kwik-ZIP. Delivery time for off-the-shelf Kwik-ZIP spacers is typically 2–3 days. FTPS expanded UK warehousing to hold stock of Kwik-ZIP spacers for AMP8 delivery.
• APS (Advanced Pipeline Solutions)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAPS (Advanced Pipeline Solutions) supplies bespoke casing spacers — available as PE casing spacers, FBE coated carbon steel or stainless steel options, with standard skids or with ApogeeAero anti-corkscrewing rollers. Delivery time on bespoke APS spacers is typically 2–3 weeks. FTPS has been active with APS spacers for approximately 10 years.
• Henkel (Loctite)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFTPS distributes Loctite PC 7255 sprayable coating from Henkel for internal pump surfaces in water and wastewater applications. Provides abrasion, corrosion, and chemical attack protection, extending asset life and reducing maintenance.
• Frazer & Tabberer GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFT Pipeline Systems is part of the Frazer & Tabberer Group. Other companies in the group include FT Ductile, FT Water Treatment, and FT Gas Control. The group provides a network of related pipeline and infrastructure companies.
• Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMMB is the framework contractor for United Utilities on the Haweswater Aqueduct Hallbank project and also works on Anglian Water IC2 through the Strategic Pipeline Alliance. Engaged FTPS for supply of 9,640m of pipe for Haweswater and leads the IC2 project delivery.
• Strategic Pipeline Alliance (SPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe SPA is a collaborative partnership between Anglian Water, Costain, Jacobs and Mott MacDonald Bentley, responsible for delivering the IC2 project. FTPS contributes pipe supply to the alliance as a supply partner.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Radius Systems: UK manufacturer and supplier of PE pipe systems for water, gas and wastewater. Direct peer in the UK large-diameter water pipeline material supply market, supplying utilities and contractors on AMP projects.
• Polypipe (Genuit Group): UK manufacturer and supplier of plastic pipe systems for water, drainage and utilities. Direct peer in UK water pipeline material supply, particularly for non-steel applications.
• GPS PE Pipe Systems: UK-based supplier of PE pipe systems for water, gas and infrastructure. Direct peer — competes with FT Pipeline Systems for large-diameter water pipeline material supply, though in PE rather than coated steel.
• Wavin UK (Orbia): UK supplier of plastic pipe systems, fittings and accessories for water, drainage and building services. Direct peer in UK water pipeline material supply with comparable end customers (utilities and contractors).
• Saint-Gobain PAM UK: UK supplier of ductile iron water and sewer pipes and fittings. Direct peer in UK water pipeline material supply, though focused on ductile iron rather than coated steel.

Broad incumbents

• Costain Group: Major UK infrastructure contractor and SPA partner on Anglian Water IC2. Broad incumbent — buys from FTPS as a supplier but also delivers pipeline construction services that overlap with FTPS's project management scope.
• J. Murphy & Sons: UK infrastructure contractor delivering water, utilities and pipeline projects. Broad incumbent operating in the same AMP8 framework ecosystem as FTPS's contractor customers.
• Balfour Beatty: Major UK infrastructure contractor delivering water and pipeline projects for utilities. Broad incumbent competing for AMP8 framework work where FTPS serves as material supplier.
• Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB): UK water infrastructure framework contractor (United Utilities Haweswater, Anglian Water IC2). Broad incumbent — both a customer (via SPA framework) and adjacent competitor in project delivery on AMP programmes.

Others

• Canusa-CPS (Seal for Life): Manufacturer of Canusa heat shrink sleeves, cold applied tapes and liquid epoxies — and FTPS's exclusive UK/Ireland distribution partner. OTHERS — not a competitor but a strategic supplier whose channel agreement is material to FTPS's revenue mix.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/FTPipelineSystems/videos
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ft-pipeline-systems-ltd

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FT Pipeline Systems