Optimatics set to tap into UK openings
SA Business Journal
Water firm will tap into UK openings
Water systems innovator Optimatics is branching into Britain, to tap growing ties with privately owned large water utilities.
The firm plans to double UK business in the first year and has worked with four of the top nine water utilities, Optimatics' European technical manager Andrew Roberts said.
"We are confident of making good headway in the first two years with a lot of work to tap into," Mr Roberts said. "There will be access to lots of recurring work and larger ongoing contracts."
Adelaide-born Mr Roberts, 28, leaves this week to head the United Kingdom operations on a two-year sole representative visa.
The branch is an extension of the company's long-term focus on markets there and in the U.S. and opens up access to other European countries, he said.
The UK has 25 water utilities. Of those, the top nine cater to 80 percent of the market. "There are lots of pipes in the ground," Mr Roberts said, indicating expected growth.
Unlike those in Australia, Britain's water utilities are privately owned, giving them the ability to make more "agressive cost-saving decisions", he added.
Also, the ageing infrastructure is likely to bring more opportunities for Optimatics systems.
Initially, Optimatics will have a "virtual" office, with plans to employ two staff in the future.
Optimatics' modelling experts, software developers and researchers, integrate artificial intelligence capabilities with custom-built software and engineering techniques to improve return on assets for water utilities.
The firm has also worked with water and wastewater utilities and irrigation authorities in America, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
The Advertiser, Tuesday January 6, 2009
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