The Australian Pipeliner (TAP): You have a lot of experience in the pipeline industry, how do you feel that helps your service capabilities?

Ron Trembath (RT): As technology is changing in this industry constantly, being able to interpret what the customer requires is where my knowledge of the industry can save time and money for the customer.

TAP: What do you most enjoy about working in the pipeline industry?

RT: It is a fairly unique industry. I have come from an engineering trade background which makes it enjoyable for me as it is hands-on, and the majority of people in the pipeline industry are great to deal with.

TAP: Do you think the industry has changed a lot in recent times?

RT: I think the industry has changed considerably over the years, with specifications and requirements of the industry becoming more stringent.

TAP: Could you tell us a little bit about Tremco Pipeline Equipment and how the business started?

RT: Tremco Pipeline Equipment was established when I left Lordco in ‘93. We started in July ‘93 and we only had one agency which was for tape coating. We did very well with this product and developed a good market. It became one of the preferred joint coating tape systems on cross-country pipelines for new construction and maintenance, and we were involved in a number of over-the-ditch coating projects.

After Tyco bought out our supplier the agency agreement was terminated, even though it was difficult at the time, it made us re-think our position and the market we wanted to serve. With our new plan we decided to diversify take on more agencies to expand our operation.

TAP: Tremco Pipeline Equipment is a family business. How does it feel to work closely with family members?

RT: It has worked very well for us. Like all families there are times for negotiation, but generally we get on pretty well. Margaret and I started the business and our son, Brett, joined us several years ago. Brett has since trained at the Spy, Plidco, Girard and Petrosleeve facilities in the USA and Canada. He is also a certified Plidco service representative and NACE Level II Coating Inspector.

TAP: You’ve recently become a distributor for CRC-Evans. What can you tell us about that?

RT: We were approached by CRC-Evans and Keith Fitzgerald regarding representation. This, naturally, was a great opportunity to expand the business and we were honoured to be selected and to have Keith working with us to share his wealth of knowledge. We will be doing product training at the CRC-Evans facility in the United States.

TAP: You are the distributor for a number of different companies, what can you tell us about these companies and the equipment on offer?

RT: Other companies that we represent include Spy, Girard, Plidco, Blackhawk, Alta, Petroline and Flowstop.

Spy has released a new range of holiday detectors in the last 18 months – 780, 785 and 790 – and they have been widely accepted and are being used throughout Australia.

Girard Industries manufactures a range of quality pipeline pigs and is a great company to work with as they will design and manufacture pigs for special applications. We have recently been awarded ‘International Distributor of 2007’.

Plidco designs and manufactures a range of high pressure pipeline leak repair products for onshore and offshore situations.

The products and companies that we represent are second to none so we are proud to be associated with every one of them.

TAP: What are some of the most exciting technologies that your suppliers are introducing?

RT: I think one of the most exciting new products is ‘Petrosleeve’, which is a steel compression repair sleeve for pipeline defects. It is a permanent repair that is not welded to the pipeline, which overcomes the concern these days with high yield steels and carbon equivalent compatibilities. ‘Petrosleeve’ is a unique repair system with worldwide patent. It is an excellent product and will gain wide acceptance in Australia. We have stock coming in and we are looking forward to the future with this product.

TAP: What do you have planned for the future?

RT: With the CRC-Evans agency we have a lot to learn, because the company manufactures a diverse range of pipeline construction equipment. We’re looking forward to the challenge of what the future brings.