AvantiGas are one of the UKs major LPG suppliers, and globally as part of one of the world’s largest LPG suppliers, delivering safe, cost effective energy to businesses across the UK.  Launched in 2011, AvantiGas continue to champion LPG in the forklift Power Sources category.

Justin-Ross-croppedLPG is a cleaner burning fuel, which is versatile, efficient and safe. It can be used in a wide array of applications within the business, not only to fuel forklift fleets, but also for heating warehouses, and fuelling manufacturing and industrial processes. Justin Ross, Key Prospect Sales Manager, AvantiGas spoke to Warehouse & Logistics News.

WLN – First of all, Justin, can you run through the different products and services that AvantiGas provide?

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a cleaner burning fuel with high combustion efficiency. It is a safe and reliable energy supply. Due to its versatility, it can be used for a wide range of applications throughout business operations, and can therefore be a cost effective direct fuel solution.

WLN – What does your role involve day to day?

My role at AvantiGas is to generate new business through key prospects within specific target segments. On a day to day basis we are identifying potential new business and working with OEMs and industry specific business partners to formulate bespoke solutions for our customers’ requirements.

WLN – 2013 – How was it for you?

2013 has been a very exciting year for us at AvantiGas. As the name suggests we’re a forward thinking, forward moving company. We’ve been building on and developing our core values, and working with our customers to ensure we’re delivering the best possible energy solution to the storage and handling industry.

WLN – How do you sum up the AvantiGas proposition?

We believe we can offer the whole energy solution package to our customers. LPG is versatile, which could bring fuel and cost efficiencies across the wider business. Our brand is new, and we believe we can offer a better all round service to the other names in the LPG marketplace.

WLN – Where do you source the LPG that you sell in the UK?

AvantiGas has two strategic supply points with terminals at Ellesmere Port and Mossmorran with a good supply of product. We also operate through 15 supply points across the UK to give a full and efficient national distribution network.

WLN – In what form do you supply LPG to customers?

We supply LPG in bulk and offer varied storage and supply solutions. Part of our team’s job is to design refuelling systems to fit specific customer needs. Our systems are owned and maintained by AvantiGas and include individual refilling cylinders for the trucks.

WLN – How could a bulk solution help increase efficiency?

A bulk solution offers a more reliable and efficient supply. Operational costs are reduced through fewer refuelling stops, and operators know exactly when refuelling should be carried out. The level gauge in the tank of the forklift informs the driver when a refuel will be necessary, allowing for work to be planned in advance. This also means that the driver shouldn’t run out of LPG whilst working.

WLN – What can you offer someone already using LPG cylinders?

A major benefit to switching to one of our LPG bulk installations is the elimination of manual handling of gas cylinders. If you buy individual cylinders from a commercial LPG supplier, the operator has to lift them off the ground and manoeuvre them on to the truck by hand, which can result in trapped fingers, injured backs and time off work. With our bulk systems, the cylinder stays on the truck and refilled with a pump from the bulk installation.

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WLN – What added benefits could businesses expect with switching from cylinders to a bulk LPG supply?

Drivers often change cylinder at the end of their shift. Depending on the temperature, the product and the equipment, between 5 and 15% of LPG remains in the ‘empty’ cylinder. Storage and control of cylinders involves space and time that is significantly reduced with the bulk solution.

WLN – How clean burning is LPG as a fuel in fork lift engines? Can LPG-powered forklifts run indoors?

LPG is a cleaner burning fuel that can be used both indoors and outside, eliminating the need to two separate fleets. It also emits fewer harmful greenhouse gases and pollutants such as un-burnt fuel and particulates in comparison to diesel, which is a critical factor where the quality of goods and zero contamination is of the utmost importance.

WLN – How does LPG compare with diesel or electricity as a fuel for fork lifts? How does the cost of running fork lifts on LPG compare with using electricity or diesel?

LPG is a cost effective way of fuelling a fleet of fork lift trucks and offers an excellent return on investment. Diesel, if stored in bulk, would involve purchasing the storage tank and dispensing equipment, and then buying diesel in bulk. We have also seen an increase in the theft of diesel from sites which has meant further investment from the customer in terms of security.

With an electric truck fleet the customer will have a period of downtime whilst the truck is charged. On longer shifts this may also involve having to invest in spare batteries and charging rooms.

WLN – How can switching to an LPG-fuelled fleet improve working conditions? Is there any compromise on performance?

Forklifts running on LPG generate less noise and vibrations in comparison to diesel fuelled fleets, making it a better working environment for your operators. Due to LPG’s high calorific value there’s no compromise on lifting performance.

WLN – What safety precautions do industrial users need to put in place on their facilities to operate on LPG?

We design and install a system which both complies fully with industry HSSE and meets the requirements of our customers. When siting bulk storage vessel(s) on a customer’s premises, we will ensure that all Codes of Practice guidelines are fully adhered to.

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WLN – What other industrial uses does LPG have besides powering forklifts?

LPG is a truly versatile form of energy which is used for a wide array of applications in business, from space heating – ideal for warehouses, and industrial processes and manufacturing processes.

WLN – It’s a competitive market place out there. Why buy LPG from you?

In today’s market place, a supplier needs to be able to offer a flexible solution that provides the customer with the most cost effective way to manage their energy. We have years of expertise gained under our previous brand, now coupled with the freshness of the new brand and our ethos that we are passionate about energy and our customers’ energy needs. We like to think of ourselves not just as a supplier, but as our customers’ energy partner. So in short we create a working partnership that affords our customers the best return on their investments.

WLN – With the environmental impact of fuels becoming an increasing pressure on business, how could LPG benefit?

Being cleaner-burning, LPG as a fuel emits fewer harmful greenhouse gases and pollutants such as un-burnt fuel compared to diesel. As it’s dispensed from a sealed unit, there are no evaporative pollutants nor spillage risks and contamination. In increasingly focused industries, this could help contribute to reducing a company’s carbon footprint without compromising on the fleet’s performance.

WLN – How has the LPG Power Sources category been performing this year? What do you see as the most significant recent developments?

Many companies are still feeling the effects of the economic climate and in the bid to recover, are analysing and assessing all areas of their business in order to increase efficiencies. Together with the added focus on environmental issues, companies are feeling increased pressure to focus and act upon reducing their carbon footprint and supporting greater social responsibility. A change in fuel type could bring quick returns.

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WLN – Where have you been winning business in 2013?

Companies are looking for a fuel which maximises production, streamlines operations whilst reducing energy costs. We feel by specialising in bulk LPG we’re offering the market an alternative energy solution.

WLN – What was your favourite business moment in 2013?

Being part of the IMHX exhibition at Birmingham was a highlight in AvantiGas’ calendar during 2013. It formed a great platform to network and collaborate with some of the Industry’s largest members. We found it a great forum to introduce AvantiGas and showcase our offers and what we bring to the Industry.

WLN – What is your ambition for within the fork lift truck market sector in the UK?

AvantiGas’ ambition is to be the number one choice in the fork lift truck market. We work with our customers to offer the best possible service in delivery, health and safety and customer service.

AvantiGas_Logo-high_resWLN – Finally where do you see the UK forklift market and AvantiGas going from here?

Many business are discovering the advantages of an AvantiGas LPG supply, and we can only see growth in this industry and a very promising future.

Phone: 0808 208 0000

Email: enquiries@avantigas.com

Web: www.avantigas.com

Facebook: AvantiGas

Twitter: AvantiGas

LinkedIn: AvantiGas

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