---
title: "Large Ti Furnace Hydraulic Modifications"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-058e52"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-058e52"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-058e52.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-058e52.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD"
published: "2025-08-27"
---

# Large Ti Furnace Hydraulic Modifications

Buyer: UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-058e52

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## Summary

The University of Sheffield is engaged in the procurement process for servicing and modernisation of the VAC 4 titanium vacuum arc re-melting furnace, a strategic national research asset. The project, titled "Large Ti Furnace Hydraulic Modifications", addresses reliability issues in the hydraulic control system of the largest furnace of its kind in the UK. The work involves system flushing, hydraulic tank modernisation, and control modifications to ensure safe operations. SECO/WARWICK S.A. from Poland has been designated as the supplier, receiving a direct award due to their unique expertise as the original equipment manufacturer. The procurement process, classified under the industry category of industrial or laboratory furnaces, is currently at the award stage, with a contractual period from 10th September 2025 to 31st March 2026. The total contract value is EUR 327,000, with the standstill period ending on 8th September 2025.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in technical and engineering services, particularly those with expertise in titanium processing and hydraulic systems within the aerospace or manufacturing industries. Companies with experience in bespoke equipment modifications and systems upgrades similar to that of SECO/WARWICK S.A. can benefit from participating in such tenders. As this contract necessitates specific technical knowledge and compliance with UKCA standards, businesses with a strong track record in compliance and safety in equipment maintenance and modernisation are well-positioned to compete in this and similar future opportunities.

## Notice

The requirement is for the servicing and modernization of the VAC 4 titanium vacuum arc re-melting furnace (304170) hydraulic system. The VAC 4 is a unique national research asset and the largest furnace of its type in the UK, enabling strategic development of largescale titanium castings. Reliability issues have arisen due to the hydraulic control system design, which now requires modification to ensure safe and reliable operation. The scope includes replacement of actuator seals, system flushing, and modernization of the hydraulic tank (bulkhead transitions, filter adapters, breather filter, condensate drip tray with drainage). The works also cover modification of the Power Ram actuator, including installation of three counter-balance valves. On-site attendance will be provided by SWSA and B&I Hydraulika teams for 3 weeks, extended to 5 weeks with an additional fitter if required. Due to the bespoke nature of the equipment, only the original equipment manufacturer has the technical knowledge and authority to undertake these works while maintaining UKCA compliance.

### Procurement Information

Due to the unique nature of the equipment, only the OEM has the expertise and authority to make modifications, with full knowledge of the integrated control and safety systems. External parties cannot deliver these changes safely or provide the documentation required to maintain UKCA compliance. Accordingly, award to the OEM is necessary to ensure safety, compliance, and operational integrity.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051535-2025 |
| Notice type | UK6 - Contract Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Direct |
| Procurement method details | Direct award |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 27 Aug 2025 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 26 Aug 2025 |
| Contract period | 9 Sep 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £327,000 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Pending |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD |
| Locality | SHEFFIELD |
| Post town | Sheffield |
| Postcode | S10 2TN |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLE Yorkshire and The Humber |
| ITL 2 | TLE3 South Yorkshire |
| ITL 3 | TLE32 Sheffield |
| Local authority | Sheffield |
| Electoral ward | Broomhill and Sharrow Vale |
| Westminster constituency | Sheffield Central |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | SECO/WARWICK |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 14 - Mining, basic metals and related products
- 42 - Industrial machinery

### Codes

- 14724000 - Titanium
- 42300000 - Industrial or laboratory furnaces, incinerators and ovens

## Release History

- 27 Aug 2025 at 10:38 - Award - UK6 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051535-2025
- 27 Aug 2025 at 09:59 - Award - UK5 - Transparency Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051501-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051535-2025
  27th August 2025 - Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051501-2025
  27th August 2025 - Transparency notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.secowarwick.com/
- https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-058e52. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-058e52.json.