AIV - Master Valve Distributors

‘How Big!?’
BVAA Director Rob Bartlett recently met with AIV’s Frank Jimenez, MD for Europe, Africa Asia and Australia, and also Lee Davies, Regional Outside Sales Manager, at the company’s European HQ in Cambridge, UK. Rob asked that very question. The response was amazing:-

‘Globally AIV holds over $60m of stock, $35m of which is on order at all times,’ explained Frank. ‘The reason we’ve been so successful is the winning formula of the three core tenants of our business, namely: -
• Exceptional Brands
• Top Specifications
• Unbeatable Deliveries.’

Frank went on to explain that ten years ago, Trey Cook (President) AIV, engaged Jason Taylor, (now VP Strategic Planning) and the Houston Texas-based company subsequently made a commitment to focus on the International Market. Just 6 years ago they moved into the 16,000 sq ft facility in Cambridge, the commencement of an amazing period of growth.

The Brands
‘Industry renowned names such as Bonney Forge, Flowserve, Bettis, Kitz, Crane, GWC are just some of the products at the core of the AIV offer,’ explained Frank. ‘We’ve invested in only supplying the very best.’

The Specifications
‘Here in the UK, we stock ANSI class Gate, Globe, Ball and Check Valves in Carbon, chrome, stainless and even super duplex, from Class 150 to Class 2500,’ added Lee.

The Deliveries
‘Currently we’re at the extent of the capacity here, holding $4m of stock, most available for next day delivery,’ said Frank. ’It’s that level of service and commitment that makes us stand out from the rest.’

Global Partners, not Global Competition
So what is a ‘Master Distributor?’ ‘That’s easy,’ commented Frank. ‘We sell only through distribution outlets. Our job is to provide exceptional service to our customers, which enables them to impress their customers with their service. We are global partners, not global competition.’

‘With our network, we are also able to source difficult-to-find products, to ensure our customers can fulfil important orders. That level of service cements our relationship, making us a first port of call, not a last hope,’ said Lee.

‘We are the “go to” master distributor, but for many end-users, we’re a silent partner whose role in the successful supply of their product goes unsung, and we’re cool with that!’ added Frank.

Adanac Acquisition
He continued, ‘We’ve had six years of rapid growth since moving here and we now have a team of ten at Cambridge. We also decided to emulate the successful model of our USA parent, providing full modification and testing, so last year acquired fellow BVAA-member Adanac Valve Specialties Ltd.’

‘Adanac, currently celebrating their 30th year in business, have added that extra dimension,’ Lee added. ‘They are renowned for their valve modifications, and are - we believe - the only such company approved by Bonney Forge in Europe. Similar approvals exist for OMB, Kitz, Neway, etc., meaning our customers can enjoy an unaffected factory warranty after their modifications. Adanac can also offer steam jacketing, cryogenic extensions, bonnet conversions, trim changes etc., plus we have test facilities for degreasing, cryogenics, fugitive emissions, welding services and so on.’

Velan Pressure Seal Valves
AIV also announced recently the introduction of a range of Velan Pressure Seal Valves, which has been added to their stock at Cambridge. A105, F11 and F22 materials up to 14 inch and up to Class 2500 are now stocked and ready for immediate despatch, a significant addition to the huge inventory already held, and a signal to customers of AIV’s commitment to grow and develop their stock to assist them in the supply of quality ANSI class valves with unbeatable delivery.

Global Reach
Soon, AIV’s Dubai office will move to a new facility with a further $2m worth of Kitz and Bonney Forge stock for immediate distribution. AIV also now has a Sales Office in Singapore – adding to their already established locations in Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia & Edmonton, making 7 in total, a true global reach.

Tel: +44(0)1223 403 370
Fax: 01223 245629
Web: www.aivinc.com

Published: 6th September 2016