Phoenix Inspection Systems launches North American operation

10/09/2009

Phoenix Inspection Systems, the ultrasonic testing equipment specialist, has expanded its business across the Atlantic with the launch of a North American operation.

Phoenix Inspection Systems Inc (Phoenix ISI) is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and headed by Frank Brant, the former CEO and President of YXLON International Inc, the world's largest manufacturer of industrial X-ray products.

Phoenix ISI aims to offer its North American customers benefits including a wider choice of ultrasonic non-destructive testing equipment, fast deliveries and a high-quality after-sales service. It will also provide them with access to Phoenix's customised design and consulting service, for which the company is renowned worldwide.

Established in 1983, Phoenix manufactures a large range of high-quality standard NDT products, from transducers and manual scanners to sophisticated turbine and generator inspection systems. It has particular strengths in the nuclear and fossil power generation industries, where its systems have helped to set the standard for plant inspections and are used by major operators the world over.

Phoenix is a leader in the design and manufacture of time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) ultrasonic technology. Also of interest to the North American market will be the Acoustic Ranger 5000. This unique sonic device is used for the internal inspection of tubes and pipes to carry out fast detection of areas of corrosion, holes, blockages and foreign bodies.

Originally from Kingston upon Hull, Frank Brant has over 30 years' experience in the NDT industry. During his early career in the UK he worked with companies including Foster Wheeler, John Brown, National Vulcan Engineering Group, Wells Krautkramer and MatEval, whose co-founder, the late Jim Quirk, also founded Phoenix Inspection Systems.

In 1982 he moved to the USA where he played a major role in launching the systems division for Philips Industrial X-ray in North America. He went on to acquire an equity share in the Danish X-ray company ANDREX and ran its North American operation for several years before being actively involved in merging ANDREX with Philips Industrial X-ray in 1998, which created YXLON International.

Karl Quirk, Managing Director of Phoenix, told NDT News: "We have been supplying the North American market for many years now and want to establish a local presence to expand our business there and to provide more intensive support to our existing customers. Frank commands a great deal of respect within the industry and is the ideal person to lead it."

Frank Brant said: "I have dealt with Phoenix for many years and feel there is a gap in the North American market for what it can offer. Not only does it provide high-quality, cost-effective systems, but unlike many of the larger players it also has a strong track record for dealing with specialist customer requirements and offering good customer service and on-time delivery. This is backed by a comprehensive consulting service that provides the customer with the complete solution.

"We will be expanding the North American operation in line with demand, building a network of sales and service engineers to provide sound support at a local level. I am confident that we can offer customers real benefits and take the business from strength to strength."

www.phoenixisl.co.uk

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