James Briggs – Chemical Manufacturer
Manchester-based chemical manufacturer James Briggs Ltd has been a longstanding customer of AvantiGas since the early 1990s. The company has supplied propellant LPG for its aerosol products as well as standard LPG for its forklift truck provision, covering a 300,000 square foot site.
James Briggs services and provides consumer chemicals for the cleaning, industrial and paint industries, from development and testing through to production and marketing. With 90 per cent of the production being aerosol products, the provision of LPG from AvantiGas is critical to the running of the business.
James Briggs currently uses two types of aerosol propellant LPG from AvantiGas and takes delivery of about 28 tonnes every week, along with three tonnes each week for the forklift truck fleet.
Terry Pelan, Purchasing Manager at James Briggs, commented: “AvantiGas supplies propellant LPG for 95 per cent of our aerosol production and LPG fuel? to run our fleet of eight forklift trucks. We have to have a regular, consistent supply of fuel to support the continuous production of our products, as well as the day-to-day running of James Briggs’ operations.
“Five weeks ago we began a trial to exit COMAH?(Control Of Major Accident Hazards) classification within the business, where we had to change the supply we were receiving for the aerosol propellant. Due to the changes, the overall storage we have for the propellant LPG has been reduced by 38 per cent and our deliveries have increased?to every two days. With only a few days’ notice, though, AvantiGas accommodated the change without issue.
“The more frequent deliveries have had little impact on the business thanks to excellent service from AvantiGas. They, with support from the James Briggs stock control team, continue to manage the whole process from customer service through to delivery. We have a solid relationship with our Sales Manager, Gavin Morris, who took on the changes willingly and seamlessly and ensures we are never without.
“The drivers are aware of how we work and religiously stick to our procedures, so we don’t need to worry about supply. We have absolute trust in AvantiGas to support our business’s needs.”
AvantiGas has also looked at cost saving for James Briggs by installing tanks to store the LPG required for the forklift trucks, as opposed to hiring canisters, which used to be more costly. Terry Pelan continued:
“No one offers the full service package like AvantiGas; the service, reliability and high quality LPG is the ?perfect solution for our business and the longstanding relationship is testament to this. We would not hesitate in recommending AvantiGas to other industries as a complete solution for their LPG needs.
“AvantiGas continues to be a reliable provider for our LPG and we have been hugely impressed with how quickly they can adapt to our needs at a moment’s notice.”
Laser International – Logistics Provider
As one of the UK’s leading independent logistics service providers, Laser International operates over 800,000 square foot of warehousing with forklift trucks conveying goods onsite.
At the company’s Kent branch, the four trucks are LPG powered, with a bulk tank filling station supplied by AvantiGas. Jon Palmer, Fleet Manager says he values the flexibility this option brings for him and the drivers:
“For us, LPG was the most suitable replacement for our current diesel powered FLT fleet, which work both inside and outside our warehouse facility in Hythe.
“We opted for a 2,250 litre LPG tank on a skid unit,?which was a more costeffective solution. The installation is basically on a raised detachable platform above the ground and we supply the electrics. Because it’s not fixed, we also have the option to take it with us if the company ever moves premises. It doesn’t interrupt operations in any way and means we don’t have to store cylinders, let alone think about the downtime involved in swapping them over! We use 50,000 litres a year and our drivers fill up once a day, 7 days a week. It’s quicker and cleaner to fill up with LPG than diesel too – just a matter of minutes.”
Mr Palmer is impressed with the level of service he receives and has an excellent relationship with his Area Manager. He also finds the AvantiGas telemetry system works well for them: “When you’re busy overseeing the forklifts, warehouse and HSE, it’s great to have one less thing to think about. But when we’re just 20% full, the signal from the tank generates an order with AvantiGas and that order is delivered in five days.
“For everyone working in the warehouse, LPG has made a huge difference. It’s less noisy and there are fewer emissions, so it’s more comfortable for the drivers. Now, our FLT operations are running smoothly and we’re healthier too, which is an excellent result.”
AVANTIGAS
Freephone: 0808 208 0000
Email: enquiries@avantigas.com
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