Apeks Marine Equipment Ltd was set up over 3 decades ago with one major initiative: to produce the best diving equipment in the world. The company was founded by Ken Ainscough – a keen diver and engineer. Thanks to his expert knowledge and understanding of the sport he realised dive equipment had major room for improvement. Thus, he set about creating what is indeed now widely regarded as one of the best diving equipment manufacturers in the world.

On the 12th July I took a trip down to the Apeks factory Blackburn, UK. When it comes to the set up and manufacturing of diving equipment my knowledge is limited, and I am keen to learn more. My tour around the factory was a great place to start.

Peter Greenwell, Apeks Sales Manager for the UK and Holland, was my tour guide for the day. He gave me an exhaustive tour of the factory – showing me the whole production process for the Apeks and Aqualung regulators. What went in one machine as a long metal pole came out at the end of the production process as a fully formed regulator, voila! Of course there are a number of complex steps amidst these two stages. I was shown the majority of these stages and Peter did an excellent job of explaining each process. I like to believe I understood every word.

 

I witnessed first stages; second stages, hoses, nuts, bolts, plastic covers – and an array of other parts you wouldn’t even think go into comprising a finished regulator – being produced. In addition I saw the chrome plating process in action and visited the design department – where a number of guys were working on some rather snazzy looking new regulator designs.

 

The regulators are all tested to standard on site. This means when the company send their regulators away for formal inspection they already know they will pass. Anything less won’t do. As such Apeks ensure optimal quality control. It was encouraging to hear that Apeks are sincere about keeping production within the UK. Despite requiring higher levels of product investment they believe this guarantees their regulators are of the highest quality. Few would disagree.

 

At the end of my visit I had the huge honour of receiving an Apeks TEK 3 regulator. Designed specifically for a twin set configuration, these regs will allow me to pursue the realms of technical and cave diving and open up a whole host of diving opportunities. My sincere thanks go to everyone at Apeks.