VPG Innovation in South Australia - owned by Stärke Advanced Manufacturing Group - has received orders from global navies for thousands of pipe-sealing Rapid Response Clamps.
The devices can be clamped over a leak to seal burst pipes onboard warships quickly, minimising damage until a more permanent solution can be applied.
The clamps were originally developed by Stärke Advanced Manufacturing Group in cooperation with the Department of Defence, however, Australia did not order any of the devices until they were selected by the US.
In late 2023, the company secured an order for 30,000 clamps from the US Navy. That success led to orders for a total of 4800 clamps by customers in a range of countries, including Australia, as well as Bolivia, Chile, Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, the UAE, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
The company also sold a further 1200 units to the US Navy.
“[The Royal Australian] Navy wanted an effective but easy-to-manufacture solution which led to the development of the unique chain and lever system that characterises the Rapid Response Clamp,” said the Co-Founder & Group Chief Executive Officer of Stärke Advanced Manufacturing Group, Al Jawhari.
“Whilst warmly received by the Royal Australian Navy, we did not sell any as we thought we might and so we turned our efforts to other markets, knowing we had a winning product.”
“The Rapid Response Clamp can repair a damaged pipe in less than 60 seconds and this unparalleled speed and efficiency make it the ideal solution for emergency response situations across a variety of industries including Commercial, Military and Oil & Gas where our customers include, Santos, Oz and BP."