As Primus Line’s first Australasian representative, Mark Trembath is the first point of contact for matters relating to Primus Line’s Trenchless Technology solutions. Before his appointment in 2016, he served a two-year term as the Australian Water Association’s NSW President.
How did you get your start in the water industry? When did you first encounter Trenchless Technology?
I got my start in the industry working as a plumber, then as a Sales Executive and Sales Manager. In 2005, after 15 years in the building industry, I started in the water sector as a Sales Engineer in Brisbane for what was then ITT Flygt, but is now known as Xylem. I travelled around Queensland consulting with utilities and councils on pumps and mechanical process equipment. I first encountered Trenchless Technology when I worked for Veolia Water Technologies in 2014.
What does your current role entail?
I am currently the Business Development Manager for Primus Line in Australia and New Zealand. It requires me to travel extensively in the Asia-Pacific region, where I work with utilities, engineering consultants and contractor partners on outcomes that extend the life of the critical pressure pipe assets through trenchless methods.
I am the first Primus Line employee that has been permanently based in the Australasian region, and it is incumbent on me to manage its expansion throughout the region. Our liners have already been used on several projects in Australia and New Zealand, and there has been significant interest for future work too.
What makes Primus Line’s products unique?
Primus Line is a Trenchless Technology designed over 15 years ago to rehabilitate gas transmission mains. Today, 70 per cent of Primus Line’s projects are in the water sector, which makes Primus Line well engineered as we have the ability to achieve extraordinarily high pressure, sometimes over 70 bar. As a high-pressure flexible liner, Primus Line can navigate many bends and, with a 6 mm wall size, the liners have huge hydraulic advantages. All of this, in tandem with no curing time, makes Primus Line a strong choice for trenchless rehabilitation.
What has been one of the most memorable projects of your career?
My next project is certain to be my most memorable one. We have just secured our first two projects with Sydney Water Corporation, which will involve rehabilitating two critical trunk mains. To secure work with such a large and respected utility is a great achievement for Primus Line in the Australasian region. I look forward to sharing the outcomes with ASTT later this year.
One of Primus Line’s most prominent project’s in Australia was the rehabilitation of a leaking DN225 PVC Class 9 water main in Lismore. The Lismore City Council was looking for a trenchless solution that could repair the leaking pipe, increase the pressure rating to 16 bar and maintain the hydraulic capacity. The successful installation of a Primus Line extended the service life of this water main by at least another 50 years.
Has the uptake of no-dig methods changed during your time in the water industry?
One of the reasons I switched from treatment and mechanical equipment to networks was the fact that 70 per cent of a utility’s assets are underground. These assets were laid by our grandparents and parents, and are coming to the end of their useful lives.
The demand is definitely growing for methods of non-destructive rehabilitation. It’s a very exciting place to be as new technologies are constantly being introduced. It makes it hard for utilities to keep up with the pace of change and development, and sometimes makes them hesitant to make decisions.
You are currently an ASTT member. What do you see as the role of the ASTT?
I have always seen myself as an active industry participant, and see industry associations as an amazing conduit to gather information and contacts and, most importantly, grow networks. Industry associations don’t just happen. They are driven by dedicated volunteer members who give up their time to conduct workshops, network events, conferences and more. I encourage all ASTT members to think about getting more involved. There is strength and security in numbers.
You’ve also been involved with mentoring young professionals. Why is this important
to you?
I have been involved in mentoring programs for some time. It provides me with a great sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that my experience and knowledge can assist young engineers to achieve their goals. I get as much out of mentoring as the mentee – it’s a two-way street.
This article was featured in the June edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet, or mobile device, click here.
For more information visit the Primus Line website.
If you know someone who would be an interesting interview for Trenchless Australasia contact Assistant Editor Nick Lovering at nlovering@gs-press.com.au