Meet Bryan Mackie - Our 'Expect Innovation' Award Winner
Bryan won an Expect Innovation award for his use of 3D printing to create working scale models of penstocks and valves. 06-03-2026
The models have moving parts and are used for training, product demos and displays. In particular, Bryan created a motorised penstock diorama for AVK UK’s 40th Anniversary celebrations.
‘A diorama is a realistic and immersive three-dimensional model which, in the case of the model for the 40th Anniversary celebrations, included a typical environment in which a penstock would be used.
Most of the models I’ve created have been at 1:12 scale. Working at this scale means the models are quite large – one is nearly 1m tall! – and detailed. They really do demonstrate how each product works.’
Image above shows examples of the 3D models created by Bryan.
Bryan originally studied aircraft engineering at college. He has been with Glenfield Invicta for just over two years, having previously worked as an engineer designing siphonic roof drainage systems.
‘I believe there is great scope for the use of valve and penstock models within the business. Greg Morris recently displayed 3D models of Glenfield Invicta’s reservoir valves at the British Hydropower Association (BH) Conference in Glasgow.
In the future I am planning to incorporate more ‘exotic’ materials into the models including glass-fibre reinforced nylon and PTU (thermoplastic polyurethane) which is a flexible, ‘rubbery’ material.’
Above image shows Bryan receiving his award
Bryan was impressed with the Expect Awards ceremony:
‘It was a fantastic event to be invited to; I was blown away by it and felt honoured to have been nominated by my colleagues. The whole ceremony was extremely professional and AVK really went all out to make everyone feel special.’
Read more about the Expect 2026 Awards here and see a list of all the winners from across AVK in the UK.
