No-Dig Down Under: Connection, Collaboration and Innovation
Posted by Grant Brown
After just a month as Head of Sales and Marketing at SECA, it was great to connect with so many people across the trenchless industry, customers, suppliers, and colleagues. With a plumbing trade background and over a decade in industrial sales and marketing, stepping into this space has felt both familiar and challenging, especially with the pace of technological change.
Over two busy days, the Sewer Equipment Company (Aust) (better known as SECA) stand became a hub of activity. The energy was strong, with visitors engaging not just with products but in meaningful conversations about the industry's direction. A big thanks to our suppliers; Rico and Ossama from iPEK, Hans from Rioned, Mark from Quick-Lock, and Angel from Chernie, who added depth to those discussions with their technical insights and global perspectives.
A standout moment was unveiling our prototype cutter attachment for the iPEK crawler systems. The feedback was positive and constructive, showing how collaboration between suppliers, customers, and manufacturers can drive innovation.
Unveiling our prototype cutter attachment for the iPEK crawler systems.
Fortune Business Insights: September 22, 2025 | Report ID: FBI107720
Why Trenchless Is Gaining Ground
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global trenchless pipe rehabilitation market is projected to grow from about USD 4.64 billion in 2024 to USD 6.86 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of ~4.9 %.
This implies a growth from ~ AUD 7.1 billion to AUD 10.4 billion over the period.
In Australia, infrastructure investment is accelerating — Australia's five-year Major Public Infrastructure Pipeline is valued at around AUD 213 billion, reflecting strong momentum in public works and utilities deployments infrastructureaustralia.gov.au. Accordingly, trenchless methods (e.g. no-dig, cured-in-place lining) are increasingly favoured for their efficiency, lower surface disruption, and cost savings during rehabilitation of buried assets.
ABS data shows engineering construction work is up over 8% year-on-year. As urban areas expand and utilities face mounting pressure to upgrade underground infrastructure, trenchless technology offers practical, sustainable solutions—reducing surface impact, environmental damage, and restoration costs.
Protecting Infrastructure and the Environment
Beyond efficiency, trenchless technology plays a critical role in environmental protection. One of the key challenges in sewer maintenance is preventing the ingress of stormwater into wastewater systems. When rainwater enters the sewer network through damaged pipes or faulty connections, it increases the load on treatment plants and can lead to overflows and pollution.
SECA's solutions, including advanced inspection hardware, software and rehabilitation tools, help utilities identify and repair these vulnerabilities without excavation. By sealing cracks and restoring pipe integrity, we help reduce stormwater infiltration, protect water quality, and support more sustainable urban infrastructure.
HD inspection tools deliver precise asset data—enabling smarter trenchless maintenance and sustainable decisions.
High-pressure jetting in action — clearing debris and restoring flow for efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly sewer maintenance.
Smart cities start underground — trenchless tech keeps streets intact while pipelines get a high-tech upgrade.
Conclusion
Events like this go beyond product showcases. They help align customer needs with supplier capabilities and broader industry trends. Whether testing a prototype or discussing international challenges, these interactions help shape the future of trenchless work.
For SECA, the past two days reinforced our role not just as a supplier, but as a partner in innovation. The level of engagement confirmed that the industry is ready to embrace new technology, and collaboration will be key to that progress.
Members of the SECA Team
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up, our focus shifts to what's next. We'll continue refining the prototype cutter attachment, aiming for a 2026 release, while working closely with global partners and staying connected with customers to ensure their input drives development.
The trenchless industry is evolving fast, and SECA is committed to being part of that momentum, helping shape the future of underground infrastructure through collaboration, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
