Bridging the Divide: An Inside Look at Oldcastle Infrastructure’s Role in the Water Sector
Welcome to the world of water infrastructure, where passion meets technical innovation, and community service goes beyond closing contracts. In a recent episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, Piers Clark delves into a fascinating dialogue with Matt Clemson from Oldcastle Infrastructure in the United States. The conversation provides a unique perspective from the supplier side of the utility-supplier relationship.
The Supplier’s Perspective
Traditionally, the focus has been on utility leaders when discussing water sector leadership. However, Clemson’s involvement sheds light on the vital role of suppliers. Oldcastle Infrastructure stands as a significant player in the United States, offering extensive solutions in water, energy, and telecommunications. Matt Clemson, as the division president for Oldcastle’s national solutions business, emphasizes the interconnectedness of water cycle challenges. From traditional infrastructure like pipes and precast to full water lifecycle solutions, Clemson’s team addresses the complexities of modern water management.
Evolving Solutions for New Challenges
Oldcastle Infrastructure’s journey has seen it evolve from being a mere concrete pipe supplier to a comprehensive solutions provider. Today, they offer advanced transmission solutions and treatment options that include media filtration and predictive analytics. Their mission is clear: make the invisible visible, providing deeper insights and smarter solutions. Piers Clark highlighted the importance of collection systems, usually perceived as simple yet proving to be quite complex. It is in these details where Oldcastle excels, offering both internal and external utility solutions, ensuring seamless operations from collection to treatment.
Innovation in Action: Real-life Examples
Matt Clemson provided tangible examples of how Oldcastle has transformed its approach. For instance, the City of Haley, Idaho, faced water loss issues, losing 59 million gallons a year. Oldcastle’s partnership with them incorporated their Civil Sense AI-driven leak detection, uncovering significant undetected leaks and providing peace of mind and sustainability for the community. Another noteworthy example includes a wastewater treatment plant in Lake Illinois. Oldcastle retrofitted their grit system to vastly improve capture rates, thus enhancing operational efficiency and equipment lifespan.
Partnerships and the Role of AI
Oldcastle’s approach to solving utility challenges involves early engagement with their clients, understanding the specifics, and involving them in the problem-solving process. By doing so, they ensure that the unique needs of each project are met. The inclusion of AI and machine learning further exemplifies their innovative drive. By predicting where failures might occur, Oldcastle helps utilities proactively manage and maintain their infrastructure, ensuring a seamless utility experience.
A Call to Curiosity
As the conversation wrapped up, Matt Clemson reflected on what he would advise his younger self. Curiosity, he notes, is critical, leading to innovative solutions and pushing the industry forward. It’s not just about having the answers but asking the right questions. To engage with the complexities of water infrastructure is to embrace the passion for community service. For Matt and his team at Oldcastle, it’s about ensuring clean water access and effective utility management.
Conclusion
From proactive AI-driven solutions to a deep commitment to understanding customer needs, Oldcastle Infrastructure exemplifies how suppliers are redefining their roles in the water sector. As this dialogue reveals, the aim is not just about infrastructure but about building sustainable partnerships that contribute to societal and environmental well-being. Join us again on the Exec Exchange as we continue to explore the rich tapestry of leadership stories across the water sector.
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