Burkert registers on Achilles Utilities Vendor Database

UVDB standardises the pre-qualification process for doing business with utilities companies, enabling registered suppliers to benefit from significant reductions in the time and effort associated with completing pre-qualification documents. Through the completion of the single online UVDB questionnaire, suppliers can pre-qualify for work with over 50 utility companies and their partners.

Currently the utilities sector represents one of Achilles' largest customer groups. It covers the power generation, transmission and distribution, nuclear, water, telecommunications and gas industries. Initially, the issues covered by Achilles across the sector dealt with sourcing and qualifying suppliers. However, today's services are increasingly addressing wider issues, not only of health and safety, but also of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and climate change.

Helen Christopher, Burkert UK's Marketing Manager, states: "Obtaining UVDB is an essential pillar in our strategy of working more closely with UK utilities, and the OEMs that serve them. The fact that we are now pre-qualified means that the process of doing business in this sector will now be much more efficient, effective and sustainable.

"Achilles registration also gives us the ability to bring new technology solutions into the utilities sector that much quicker. Solutions such as our unique 8650 process automation system, which is a cost-saver, as it effectively integrates pneumatic and electronic control technologies and Profibus DPV1 communications, relieving the control engineer of the task of installing the many special expensive electrical junctions and terminations required by conventional field- wired systems in ATEX Zone 1 hazardous areas."

About Achilles

Achilles works to identify, qualify, evaluate and monitor suppliers on behalf of major organisations worldwide. The organisation builds and supports buyer-supplier communities in many industry sectors, creating unique and powerful global networks. These services for sustainable procurement help create opportunities for business and reduce risk in the supply chain.