Mid afternoon that day, without being concerned for the fast action just kilometres away, New Zealand drainage consultant Bob Morgan signed up to become the fifth licensee to handle the Nu Flow Technologies pipe rehabilitation system in New Zealand.

Just four months previously no one in the shaky isles had even thought about becoming involved in the innovative Nu Flow system, let alone heard or read anything about the technological advances in pipeline restoration developed by the company.

Following several months of systematic market research, the Nu Flow Australian Licensee concluded there was an enormous product opportunity in New Zealand. The accumulated data showed that up to seven major drainage companies would be able to cover almost the entire area of the two volcanic islands. Recent reassessment of that information now reveals that a further four areas can handle Nu Flow licenses and already a stream of interested companies have contacted Nu Flow seeking details.

For the Australian based company, now the holder of licensee rights to Asia, Africa and the Southern Pacific area, this was the culmination of an exciting and interesting four month assault for the establishment of the Nu Flow Technology pipe rehabilitation product into the New Zealand market.

How it all started

When Nu Flow Technologies first became aware of the system of pipe relining, it was with a view to solving an immediate problem brought to their attention by their sister plumbing company. Initial research showed that this was an excellent way to overcome damaged pipes in a new building construction that was proving to be a major cost liability.

Following a preliminary review of the available pipe repair system, plus additional research into the viable pipe relining marketplace, it quickly became apparent that there was definitely a very good market opportunity for this technology.

At first the guys took the time also to take a serious look at anything that was on offer locally in Australia, and whilst the inversion systems then being touted as unique were looked at intently, it was soon revealed that not only was the Canadian developed Nu Flow system superior, but also had a number of extremely significant advantages.

A visit to the impressive Pumper and Cleaner Expo in Nashville, USA, further re-enforced not only the opportunities in pipe work but also the amplitude of this methodology and the extent of the market in North America. Shortly after the show, the interested Australian company executives took the time to travel to Nu Flow’s headquarters at Oshawa in Canada. What they observed excited them as the technology and method used by the Canadian company, together with their continuing and extensive research program, convinced the guys that this was the way to go and that pipe relining had a massive global future.

A further visit to the Canadian factory saw the signing of the licensee agreement rights for the Australasian market. A thorough and interesting market assessment then followed. Careful analysis of this research showed the enormous potential for an initial foray into the market in Australia, with even greater potential in other areas.

Just how do you market something that is different to the established plumbing and drainage industry, where tried and true established procedures are entrenched? There were some difficult questions to answer, but equally there were some interesting situations that were drawn to the researchers’ attention by a small band of experienced and pro-active members of the plumbing fraternity. All of this information allowed the guys at Nu Flow a better opportunity to find out more about the relining industry.

People couldn’t believe that you didn’t have to dig up to repair damaged, root infested or even non existing pipe. The scepticism of many in the plumbing and drainage trade made life difficult, but then a significant group of forward thinking guys from the industry decided that here was not only a challenging new frontier, but also something that could well be a financial bonanza if handled with care.

It didn’t take long before a number of these interested parties examined in detail the way the Nu Flow relining process worked and soon the system was gaining widespread acceptance. The Nu Flow family in Australia expanded rapidly with an initial signing of five entrepreneurial members of the trade quickly seeing the potential. As their efforts bore results, through new work and financial rewards, others followed with a concentration of licensees emerging in the greater Sydney area.

Major factors encouraging these Nu Flow licensees was the ability to repair around bends, even to 90 degrees, apply small one metre patches and to very effectively repair damaged junctions. These features highlighted the revolutionary approach that had resulted from the extensive testing and research program at Nu Flow Canada.

Two companies from the Queensland Sunshine Coast operated by enthusiastic and long-term focused younger guys, soon realised the potential and signed for a license. In that geographical area the prospect wasn’t only with domestic residential properties, but also with major industrial companies who were soon requesting rehabilitation of their pipes, damaged by high acidic corrosion and other problems. The advantage of not having the disruption and mess of digging, plus a quick repair time frame, encouraged these young companies to invest in the use of Nu Flow technology.

In Sydney the savings to major shopping centre owners and operators, to large building renovators, as well as superb high quality suburban homes, provided the momentum that Nu Flow knew from their extensive research would follow for each licensee.

When the well researched data showed that New Zealand was an excellent prospect, it was long established Christchurch drainage expert Peter Diver who signed first. Diver, well respected by his peers, quickly assessed the viability of Nu Flow and his training program was utilised to further reinforce his early findings.

News of this primary license commitment was the catalyst for the New Plymouth/Taranaki area based company, Vid-Pro Services, operated by Lynette and Stephen Gopperth, to look closely at Nu Flow. Both quickly realised the enormous potential and investment available. Already they have established their presence as leaders in pipe rehabilitation work.

A quick trip across the Tasman to investigate the product system soon convinced Anthony Rooney, principal of Abbotts’ Drainage in Auckland to follow the other Kiwis and already his fleet of Nu Flow trucks is gaining visual promotion and work throughout the large northern city.

Down on the Kapiti Coast Gavin and Susan Klee also noted the potential of Nu Flow and they also signed, and that was, in part, the catalyst for Bob Morgan to become involved, as he quickly calculated the financial gains and expansion potential from being part of the Nu Flow organisation.

Whilst New Zealand still offers opportunities for interested parties, the greatest potential is now available in the southern Australian states of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

Nu Flow has commenced thorough and extensive market research in these areas and has analytical data that shows the exciting potential for visionary operations in the plumbing and drainage trade. Currently, marketing liaison researchers have been reviewing applications from several potential licensees in these areas.

If your company would like more information about the advantages and potential of having a Nu Flow Technologies license, call 1800 683 569 and a detailed booklet will be sent to you. Additionally, a Nu Flow representative will contact you to answer any questions.