AvantiGas is part of one of the world’s largest LPG suppliers and is a major LPG supplier in the UK delivering cost effective and reliable energy to businesses throughout the country.
Since its launch in 2011, AvantiGas has continued to champion LPG in the fork lift Power Sources category.
As a cleaner burning fuel, LPG is efficient and safe with the versatility to fuel fork lift fleets, heat warehouses and fuel manufacturing and industrial processes to meet the specific needs of their customers.
Liam Rothwell, Area Sales Manager at AvantiGas spoke to Warehouse & Logistics News.
WLN – What are the different products and services that AvantiGas provides?
AvantiGas provides Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) which is a cleaner burning fuel with high combustion efficiency. The reliability and versatility of LPG means it can be used for various applications within a business making it a cost effective fuel solution.
WLN – What does your role involve day to day?
I help to generate new business using our knowledge and experience, to target key prospects. We identify potential new businesses and create tailored solutions for our customers’ individual requirements.
WLN – 2014 – how was it for you?
AvantiGas has had a successful and exciting 2014. We’ve been working with customers across the UK to ensure the storage and handling industry is receiving the most cost effective energy solutions.
WLN – How do you sum up the AvantiGas proposition?
LPG is a versatile fuel and means we can offer a complete energy solution package to businesses, which ultimately, is a more cost effective model for our customers. We are still relatively young in the LPG marketplace and believe we can offer an all-round service.
WLN – Where do you source the LPG that you sell in the UK?
We have two strategic supply points at Ellesmere Port and Mossmorran. To ensure we can provide a thorough and efficient national distribution network, AvantiGas also operates through 15 supply points across the UK.
WLN – In what form do you supply LPG to customers?
We supply LPG through bulk installation and offer a number of storage and supply solutions which can be made bespoke to the business. Part of our team’s job is to design refuelling systems specific to customer needs. AvantiGas owns the LPG equipment meaning it is always maintained to highest possible standards.
WLN – How could a bulk solution help increase efficiency?
A bulk solution offers a more reliable and efficient supply of LPG. Costs in the operational department are reduced as operators can carry out fewer refuelling stops and will know exactly when refuelling needs to take place. Drivers are informed of low fuel via the level gauge in the tank of the fork lift meaning they can plan ahead more efficiently and are less likely run out of LPG while working.
WLN – What can you offer someone already using LPG cylinders?
Our LPG bulk installations allow for the elimination of manual handling of gas cylinders, saving time and the risk of injury. Individual cylinders bought from commercial LPG suppliers have to be lifted off the ground and manoeuvred onto trucks by hand which can result in operators trapping their fingers or injuring their back. Our bulk system allows for the cylinder to stay on the truck to be refilled with a pump from the bulk installation.
WLN – What added benefits could businesses expect when switching from cylinders to bulk LPG supply?
The bulk solution helps to significantly save time and space for drivers with the added storage and control over empty cylinders. Drivers tend to change their cylinders at the end of their shift, so depending on the temperature, product and equipment there can be between 5% and 15% of remaining LPG in the ‘empty’ cylinders creating wastage.
WLN – How clean burning is LPG as a fuel in fork lift engines? Can LPG-powered fork lifts run indoors?
In comparison to diesel, LPG is a cleaner burning fuel as it emits fewer harmful greenhouse gases and pollutants such as un-burnt fuel, which is a critical factor when the quality of goods and zero contamination is of high importance. With that in mind, LPG can be used both indoors and outdoors, eliminating the need to run two separate fuels.
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?
In comparison to both diesel and electricity, LPG offers a cost effective way of fuelling a fleet of fork lift trucks as well as an excellent return on investment.
Diesel is stored in bulk and would involve purchasing the storage tank, dispensing equipment and then buying the diesel in bulk. There is also a noticeable rise in the theft of diesel from sites which means a further security investment from the customer.
Electric fork lift truck fleets require charging time as well as a back up of spare batteries and charging rooms for longer shifts, leaving the customer with a period of downtime.
WLN – How can switching to an LPG-fuelled fleet improve working conditions? Is there any compromise on performance?
LPG fuelled fork lifts generate less noise and vibrations in comparison to diesel fuelled fleets, creating a better working environment for operators. LPG has a high calorific value so lifting performance is not compromised.
WLN – What safety precautions do industrial users need to put in place on their facilities to operate on LPG?
When installing bulk storage vessels we always ensure that all Codes of Practice guidelines are fully adhered to. Our systems are designed to fully comply with industry HSSE and to meet the requirements of the customer.
WLN – What other industrial uses does LPG have besides powering fork lifts?
LPG is a versatile form of energy and can be used for a broad range of applications in businesses including industrial processes, manufacturing processes and large space heating – ideal for warehouses.
WLN – It’s a competitive market place out there. Why buy LPG from you?
At AvantiGas we understand that as a supplier, we need to ensure we have flexible solutions on offer to provide customers with the most cost effective way of managing their energy. We have gained years of experience and with our fresh approach to energy solutions, we’re passionate about meeting specific requirements.
We see ourselves as the energy partner of our customers, rather than just a supplier, creating a working partnership so our customers have the best return on their investments.
WLN – What is your ambition within the fork lift truck market sector in the UK?
We aim to be the number one choice in the fork lift truck market. We create working partnerships with our customers to offer them the best service in delivery, health and safety and customer service, to meet our target of being the top fuel choice.
WLN – Finally, where do you see the UK fork lift market and AvantiGas going from here?
A lot of businesses are embracing AvantiGas LPG and what this brings to the fork lift market. We’re definitely seeing growth in the industry and are looking forward to a promising future.
Phone: 0808 208 0000
Email: enquiries@avantigas.com
Web: www.avantigas.com
Twitter: @AvantiGas
Facebook: AvantiGas
LinkedIn: AvantiGas
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