Turning post-pandemic disruption into a long-term opportunity, Flow Control Qatar increased focus on its local O&M market winning the refurbishment projects with Veolia.
The global projects and construction market witnessed a significant downturn in 2020–2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic. It was during this challenging period that AVK Flow Control chose to shift its focus - moving to explore opportunities within the O&M segment with Qatar’s major operation and maintenance (O&M) contractors.
It took time to reach the right decision-makers within the O&M contracting companies. But by the end of 2021, these persistent efforts began to yield results. AVK FC was invited by one of the leading O&M contractors, Metito, to carry out inspections across several pumping stations. The objective was to identify and record all installed Glenfield and AVK valves and recommend spare parts that should be locally stored for ongoing maintenance of these valves.
This scope was executed successfully and on schedule. As a result, AVK FC was awarded its first spare parts order valued at EUR 25,000 for manufacturer-recommended spares, mainly for series 37 and 54 gate valves, and 641 recoil check valves.
In 2022 and 2023, AVK FC continued its engagement with the O&M market through training initiatives. These sessions focused on the basics of operation and maintenance of penstocks and highlighted AVK’s range of products and services suited to the needs of O&M and framework contractors. Further training modules on large-size gate valves, butterfly valves, check valves, and control valves are currently in the pipeline.
Increasing focus on maintenance and long term operation
As market confidence in AVK FC’s expertise grew, the team began receiving direct requests for valve condition assessments in various sewage treatment plants (STPs) and pumping stations. Two major refurbishment projects emerged between 2022 and 2024.The first project involved the refurbishment of approximately 15 Glenfield gate valves and butterfly valves that had been in service for more than two decades at Doha South Sewage Treatment Plant. The job, carried out in the beginning of 2022 for O&M contractor SUEZ, was successfully completed at the facility of AVK FC’s local after-sales service partner. In early 2023, AVK FC was approached by Veolia for an initial assessment of around 30 valves at Doha North Seage Treatment Plant.
A preliminary report was followed by detailed discussions on refurbishment possibilities. In mid-2024, instructions were received for the inspection of 60 valves which required dismantling of the valves and internal review at AVK FC’s After sales service partner’s facility. These included metal-seated gate valves, swing check valves, and recoil check valves originally supplied by Glenfield Valves UK and knife gate valves from AVK CYL in 2008.
The inspection resulted in two key recommendations to the contractor in 2024: refurbishment of 30 valves in the size range of (100-1000mm) and replacement of 30 Wouter Witzel butterfly valves. A detailed commercial proposal covering both refurbishment and replacement was submitted and, in July 2024, AVK FC was awarded the full scope; an order valued at approximately EUR 150,000 that was for the replacement of 30 butterfly valves (DN200–900) plus refurbishment of 30 valves. Coordination with AVK Anhui and AVK CYL ensured the correct procurement of spares for the refurbishment work, which was executed by a well-trained and experienced valve service team. The refurbishment process was carried out in four phases and included thorough testing in line with customer standards. By end of January 2025, all valves had been refurbished. Each valve was returned to Doha North Sewage Treatment Plant fully refurbished, accompanied by test and warranty certificates. The final replacement was completed in April 2025.
Looking ahead, AVK FC is now conducting initial inspections of large-size metal seated gate valves originally supplied to a major pumping station in 2010. Two technical presentation sessions are planned in 2025 for the O&M and framework contractors, with a focus on AVK’s pipe repair solutions. These sessions are designed to help the AVK team interact with the O&M teams who run the Pumping Stations & Sewage Treatment Plants and operate & maintain the networks, understand their challenges and issues and recommend the right solutions to counter those challenges on-site.
The customer service philosophy remains consistent across the Middle East - Staying close to the end user ensures better service, better planning, and ultimately, better asset performance. With Ashghal approvals for AVK Anhui and AVK SVMC received in October 2025, we are well-positioned to support clients with valve replacements when valves are too old to be refurbished. Through our dedicated after-sales support services, AVK Flow Control LLC is helping clients monitor, maintain, and extend the service life of their assets - transforming valves from passive infrastructure into actively managed components of Qatar’s water network.