Steve Vick International (SVI) was founded in 1981 by the current chairman, Steve Vick, who saw an opportunity to develop ways of safely sealing off gas mains and services using expanding resin foams under ‘live’ conditions.
The company was initially a husband and wife team, with Steve and Angela working together from their home in Norton St Phillip, Somerset.
It was during these early days that SVI pioneered Live Mains Insertion; an innovative cast iron mains replacement technique that ensures customers gas supply is uninterrupted throughout the insertion process.
In 1984, British Gas granted the company a license to market Live Mains Insertion techniques worldwide. As a result the business thrived and in 1989 moved to larger premises in Bath.
Many of the signature technologies developed by SVI have been found to be transferrable, this has allowed SVI to grow and develop not only in the gas distribution sector but within nuclear decommissioning, the water industry and contract services.
The N450 model cuts pipe from 200mm diameter up to 750mm and up to 900mm diameter with the extension chain fitted. Approximate cutting speed is 140mm per minute. The Keel Cutter assembly includes hydraulic motor, operator safety handle, two extension chains, a water coolant tank, five steel wedges, a tool kit and a security box.
The N600 model cuts and bevels pipes from 250mm diameter up to 1600mm. Approximate cutting speed is 100mm per minute. The Keel Cutter assembly includes hydraulic motor with operator safety handle, guide ring attachment, five extension chains, water coolant tank, seven steel wedges, tool kit and a security box.