Expanding the valves business
Irish valves distributor Induchem Group joined AxFlow in 2019. The valves business represents a new offering to the business group’s overall fluid-handling solutions, adding the potential for further expansion.
Induchem was founded in 1982 in Cork, Ireland, and started supplying steam valves and pipe support to the local pharmaceutical industry that was rapidly growing at the time. Managing Director David Carroll, who has grown up with Induchem and is the second generation to run the company, recalls its humble beginnings.
“Our first office was above a shoe shop in the centre of Cork,” he says. “We had no stock except for the shoes – just a phone and big dreams.”
Celebrating its fortieth anniversary in 2022, the company has now grown its product portfolio and developed a service offering across valves and process equipment that makes Induchem one of the pre-eminent distribution companies in its field. The company is offering sales and services out of its headquarters in Cork as well as its satellite locations in Dublin and Manchester.
“We now have more than 20 exclusive distribution partnerships with the world’s best manufacturers,” David explains. “We have also developed a service and repair offering, to help manage and maximise customers’ uptime through a network of state-of-the-art service centres in the UK and Ireland.”
The pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries remain the backbone of Induchem’s success, but the company serves a wide range of market segments, including the chemical, power and general process industries. “If there is liquid or gas flowing, Induchem is involved,” David adds.
A strong team key to success
Over the past five years, Induchem has seen significant growth. According to David, a large portion of the company’s success is down to the incredibly flexible and loyal people that make up the Induchem Team.
“We have huge longevity within the team, and we work hard to create a flexible, attractive model that entices people to join and stay with us. Our people are our success,” David says.
July 2019 marked the beginning of a new chapter for Induchem, when the company was acquired by AxFlow. The group’s decentralised business model means that Induchem continues to operate as a separate company under its own brand . As part of AxFlow, David believes his company will accelerate their growth journey further.
“Induchem is ideally placed to help grow the valve and process equipment offering across AxFlow markets. This can and will involve working with other AxFlow companies to maximise the opportunities in this segment,” says David.
With the opportunity to expand the geographic footprint and offering together with AxFlow.
“Our plan is to double in size over the next five years through a strategic mix of organic and acquisitive growth,” says David.