A partnership between Esh-Stantec and German-based sealing technology specialist Hauff-Technik are trialling advanced mechanical sealing systems - long used in the European power sector - on live Northumbrian Water projects.

Photo: press seals create watertight seal for cable entries into MCC building at Esh Winning STW

The German firm is taking first steps into the water industry through the sewage treatment works innovation to improve sealing solutions in the UK water sector.

The solutions are being trialled across the North East - the two organisations have been working together for the last year to explore more efficient sealing methods and are introducing press and link seals on live projects in a step away from more traditional sealing methods.

Historically used in the UK power sector and well-established across Europe, Hauff-Technik’s products are now being trialled on several of the Esh-Stantec joint venture’s Northumbrian Water projects, including sewage treatment works at Esh Winning and Great Ayton.

Andrew McKenna, Construction Manager at Esh-Stantec, said:

“This partnership is about more than just trialling new technology – it’s about challenging the status quo and improving the way we protect and futureproof critical assets.

“The level of innovation Hauff-Technik brings is not only enhancing quality but also aligning with our goals for environmental resilience and operational reliability.”

The seals, which replace traditional expandable foam sealing methods, offer superior resistance to chemical exposure, long-term durability, and a significantly lower carbon footprint. At the Esh Winning site, press seals are being used to create a watertight seal for cable entries into the existing MCC building.

Designed for precision, Hauff-Technik’s press products seal ducts and cables, while their link seals – which will be used on Esh’s Great Ayton sewage treatment works site – support larger diameter pipework, capable of withstanding pressures of up to 2.5 bar. The mechanical sealing systems provide consistent, measurable results – each component is torqued to specification, improving reliability when compared to older methods.

Photo -  Andrew McKenna, Construction Manager at Esh-Stantec

examines new press seal products on visit to Hauff-Technik in Germany

Introducing new products requires clear thought, planning and analysis, and McKenna explains a robust process involved a site visit to Hauff-Technik’s headquarters in Hermaringen in Germany to see previously installed seals in a live setting and securing buy in from clients that the new technology provides a better solution.

The visit allowed the Esh-Stantec team to witness the high manufacturing standards and quality control measures in place and meet with colleagues from the power industry to discuss cross-sector learnings.

“Many of the engineers and specifiers we work with have used the same methods on sites for decades and can be averse to the risk of bringing in new products,” added McKenna. “Having visited Hauff-Technik’s German manufacturing facilities and seen 20-year-old installations still performing perfectly, I was in a position to confidently recommend the press and link seal products.”

Hauff-Technik products used across Netherlands and Belgium in water treatment plants for decades

As Hauff-Technik grows its UK presence – from a team of one to an expected five by the end of 2025 – the company is committed to working closely with forward-thinking partners like Esh-Stantec to deliver solutions born directly from client needs.

Photo: close -up of press seal on cable entries at Esh Winning STW

Michael Hutchings, Head of Sales UK & Ireland said:

“Traditionally, these installations relied on foam, and there was no way to guarantee performance. With our technology, you get a clear torque setting and a seal that lasts.

“We’ve used these products across the Netherlands and Belgium in water treatment plants for decades. Bringing that expertise to the UK is the next logical step as our team continues to expand. Our entire product range has been developed from real-world customer feedback and that’s why we call ourselves the efficient solution builders – every seal we supply is solving a specific, often longstanding, problem.”

Looking ahead, Esh-Stantec and Hauff-Technik plan to expand the use of the sealing systems across additional schemes, including chemical delivery and reservoir projects for Northumbrian Water.

Esh-Stantec has also trialled the use of basalt reinforcement as a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional steel reinforcement in concrete construction. Basalt reinforcement is a low carbon alternative to steel which offers significant weight savings, reducing the need for multiple heavy delivery wagons to site, which in turn lowers carbon emissions and supports net zero targets.

Its lighter weight also allows for faster and safer installation, streamlining construction programmes without compromising strength or durability. McKenna added:

“Basalt reinforcement has excellent chemical-resistant properties, making it particularly suitable for chemical delivery slabs, where durability and long-term performance are critical. By adopting basalt reinforcement, Esh-Stantec continues to drive innovation and deliver projects with improved environmental, operational, and asset protection outcomes.”

The Esh-Stantec joint venture was established in 2015 to deliver capital schemes through Northumbrian Water’s Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Framework. The jv is continuing to deliver sustainable, high-quality infrastructure solutions across the North East as a Northumbrian Water ‘Living Water Enterprise’ supply partner during AMP8.

In June 2025, the joint venture received the Utility Pipeline Project Innovation Award from The Pipeline Industries Guild for its innovative work on Northumbrian Water’s Durham Transfers project.