Pioneering British valve manufacturer to deliver resilience first solutions at Selset Reservoir
Blackhall Engineering is proud to announce it has been awarded a significant contract by Northumbrian Water for the design, supply, and refurbishment of key valve assets at Selset Reservoir, County Durham.
This major order includes the installation of Blackhall’s flagship 100-Year Valves® and marks a further strengthening of the long-standing relationship between Blackhall and Northumbrian Water. It is the result of years of collaborative engineering, shared values, and a mutual commitment to long-term asset stewardship.
The works form part of a wide-ranging upgrade programme at Selset Reservoir, a strategic water asset supporting thousands of customers in Northumbrian Water’s Southern supply zone. Delivered in collaboration with Stantec and Esh Construction, the contract encompasses both the specialist refurbishment of existing large diameter valves and the supply of new, high performance isolation and flow control valves. At the heart of the project are Blackhall’s ultra reliable Series 3400 Metal Seated Wedge Gate Valves and Series 3300 Fixed Cone Valves, both engineered for a 100-year design life, which will play a central role in futureproofing the site for generations. This infrastructure upgrade will strengthen long term water security, reduce the risk of service interruptions, and reinforce Northumbrian Water’s environmental and public health commitments.
James Blackhall, Managing Director of Blackhall Engineering, said:
“This award reflects a genuine shift in mindset and long-term commitment to investing in quality. Northumbrian Water’s decision to support and partner with a trusted UK manufacturer for such a critical scheme reinforces the value of our consultative approach, British engineering credentials, and relentless focus on delivering valves that truly stand the test of time.”
At a time when the UK water sector is under increasing scrutiny to deliver improved environmental outcomes, long term investment returns and regulatory compliance under AMP8 and PR24, this project highlights a future facing procurement ethos. Northumbrian Water’s choice to deploy British engineered, ultra durable valves reflects its ambition to lead on resilience, sustainability and carbon conscious decision making.
Blackhall’s work at Selset fits perfectly with a growing trend in the water sector: moving from reactive to preventative maintenance. This forward-thinking approach is central to Blackhall’s philosophy and is embedded across its Through-Life Engineering Services, which focus on long-term asset performance, sustainability and risk reduction.
Every Blackhall valve is built for the real-world demands of dam and reservoir systems. They are rigorously tested, corrosion-resistant, low-torque, and tailored to each site. It’s all delivered with the expertise of Blackhall’s engineers, combining deep heritage with modern intelligence.
Looking Ahead
The Selset contract underscores Blackhall’s strategic role as a key UK supply chain partner at a pivotal moment for the industry. With more than £104 billion of investment forecast between 2025 and 2030 in water infrastructure renewal, this project exemplifies how close collaboration between asset owners and specialist manufacturers can deliver enduring performance with clear environmental and economic value.
As this project progresses, Blackhall looks forward to deepening its relationship with Northumbrian Water and supporting other water companies seeking to futureproof their critical infrastructure through sustainable engineering and dependable British manufacturing.
