ACO Technologies, a leading UK-based drainage systems manufacturer, has recently been presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise – Innovation 2006 – for its new, high-capacity surface water drainage product, ACO Qmax.

ACO took two years to develop the Qmax system, which provides a completely new approach to controlling the run-off of surface water from large open areas such as car-parks, distribution yards and airport runways says Keith Lambourne, export director for ACO Group. Its unique ovoid-shape and high capacity allow it to quickly drain large volumes of water while protecting the main sewer system from flooding and the surrounding environment from contamination due to leakage, he adds.
According to Lambourne, Qmax has also pioneered the concept of ‘value-engineering’ – a new approach to on-site construction that saves both time and money.
“This is the second time that ACO has achieved this prestigious accolade, which recognises the company’s continuous commitment to the development of innovative drainage systems that help engineers and contractors achieve greater efficiency and productivity whilst protecting the environment,” he says.
ACO Technologies received its first Queen’s Award in 2001 for the kerbstone and drainage system, ACO KerbDrain, a combined drainage and kerb unit manufactured from corrosion-resistant polymer concrete.
ACO has supplied its drainage systems to several prestigious projects across the Middle East over the past year. Some of these developments include Education City and the Science Park in Qatar, Jaber Stadium in Kuwait, the Emirates Flight Catering Kitchens in Dubai and Cairo Airport in Egypt. The ACO KerbDrain system was recently supplied to the Emirates headquarters building in Dubai.
The company has an office situated in the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai, responsible for servicing the requirements of the region for its drainage system products. The office is supported by its sales and technical design teams.