Victaulic solutions enable record-time piping system installation at Manchester’s newest office block

Victaulic, a global leader in mechanical pipe joining, has played a key role with its innovative solutions in the development of Plot 9A, a cutting-edge 10-storey office block located on First Street in Manchester.

The project, managed by main contractor BAM, building services specialists Briggs & Forrester and subcontracted to WHB, highlights the contribution of Victaulic products to the efficiency, sustainability, and safety of the build in the heart of the city.

Plot 9A is set to be fully operational this year and Victaulic was involved from the early stages of construction, having already established a strong relationship with WHB.

Jonathan Hodgeon, sales engineer at Victaulic (pictured above), comments: “We knew in advance that WHB would want to use Victaulic couplings, fittings, and valves for its work at Plot 9A.

“We joined the project in mid-2024, working closely with WHB to provide a quick, reliable, and flame-free installation solution for both the heating and chilled pipework systems in the building.”

Plot 9A, Manchester

Efficiency and safety in focus

Victaulic supplied a variety of solutions to WHB, including its new QuickVic™ V-range fittings, which were used on a Manchester project for the first time. These fittings are light and easy to install, significantly reducing material handling and installation time.

Jonathan continues: “The QuickVic system allows for faster and more hassle-free installation. With our pre-grooved fittings and valves, contractors simply need to groove the pipe, install the coupling, and tighten the two nuts and bolts on the coupling, making the process much quicker and safer.”

Victaulic solutions employed at Plot 9A include QuickVic Style 107V rigid couplings, QuickVic Style 177 flexible couplings, QuickVic V Range fittings, butterfly valves, and strainers. Victaulic grooved piping solutions are known for offering flame-free installation, contributing to safer working conditions on-site. By eliminating the need for flanging and welding, Victaulic solutions offer a fast and simple alternative that minimises labour time. Straightforward installation also allows the use of local labour without requiring specialised training.

Jonathan says: “WHB completed the entire pipework in record time, which would have taken much longer with flame-based joining methods.

“In fact, the use of this advanced technology enabled WHB to complete the pipework at Plot 9A in just two months.”

With the Victaulic system, the ends of pipes are grooved and then joined together with a mechanical coupling fastened by two bolts for quick and simple installation.

A trusted partner

WHB has been operating for 20 years and works on various construction projects across north-west England. WHB previously relied heavily on welding but now increasingly uses Victaulic systems, which offer speed, ease of installation, and safety benefits, due to no hot work permits required. Addressing not just engineering challenges but also meeting business needs related to cost and project timelines, Victaulic’s grooved pipe joining system is up to ten times faster than flame-based methods, making it the obvious choice for mechanical engineers and contractors. 

Ian Waller, company director at WHB, comments: “Any pipework that lends itself to being installed with Victaulic, like the risers, has been done with Victaulic.

“Victaulic’s quick installation has proven to be crucial for meeting tight construction deadlines. We have used Victaulic products on many of our large projects, such as in construction work on Deansgate in Manchester city centre, at the extension of Northwich Infirmary, and of course at Plot 9A.

“We place a lot of importance on flexibility, durability, and aftersales support, and this is why we value our partnership with Victaulic and continue to use its solutions.”

Ian Waller, company director at WHB

A commitment to sustainability 

Victaulic’s proximity to markets and the ability to ship more prefabricated grooved spools per truck compared to welded spools, reduces both site deliveries and transportation emissions. Sustainability was a critical factor in the Plot 9A project, having been designed with eco-friendly features and has earned a 5.5-star NABERS rating, meeting the highest standards in environmental performance. 

Jonathan continues: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything Victaulic does. Our products are made of up to 98% recycled materials, allow for infinitely reconfigurable piping systems as building needs change over time, and are recyclable at end-of-life, ensuring they contribute to both immediate and long-term sustainability goals.

“Our products fit seamlessly into the project’s net-zero goals, and Plot 9A serves as an excellent example of how Victaulic can assist similar future builds aiming for sustainability.”

Victaulic couplings can be removed without damage to the coupling or pipes and be reused to accommodate piping system reconfiguration or expansion as building needs change in the future.

Comprehensive support

Victaulic values being a trusted partner for contractors like WHB, providing not only high-quality products but also comprehensive support, from product training to on-site assistance. Victaulic solutions are designed to ensure that projects run smoothly and efficiently, and that future maintenance on the system is easy to carry out, reducing system downtime.

Ian adds: “It’s crazy how durable the system is. From a maintenance point-of-view, everything’s demountable. It’s very maintainable and you can make changes to the system very easily. And in regard to our personal relationship with Victaulic, the support is always in place, whenever you need.”

Jonathan comments: “We have a really good relationship with WHB. They’ve used Victaulic now for a number of years and across multiple contracts. They are experts in the building services field and use Victaulic as their go-to solution.

“It really is a go-to system for a quick, easy, hassle-free installation as well as long-term maintainability and sustainability.”

Find out more about Victaulic’s applications. For further information, visit the Victaulic website.