AvantiGas are one of the UK’s major LPG suppliers, and globally as part of one of the world’s largest LPG suppliers, delivering safe, cleaner-burning, cost effective energy to businesses across the UK. Launched in 2011, AvantiGas will be exhibiting at IMHX for the first time under its new name.
LPG 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. Andrew Mann, Commercial Manager, AvantiGas spoke to Warehouse & Logistics News.
Warehouse & Logistics News – First of all, Andrew, can you run through the different products and services that AvantiGas provides?
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a clean 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 – As Commercial Manager, are you directly involved in developing solutions for customers?
I head the commercial arm of the business. This includes both our customer service and sales functions, and I therefore oversee the overall LPG solution for our customers. This synergy within the business helps ensure we offer the best customer experience, from designing the bespoke energy solution through to the best on-going delivery and customer service.
WLN – When was AvantiGas founded? Who owns it now?
AvantiGas was formed in 2011 as part of a series of acquisitions by UGI Corporation across Europe. The business has been operating as an LPG supplier since the 1960’s under a previous owner delivering safe, reliable LPG products and services to 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 in the marketplace, and we believe we deliver a better all round service to the other names in the LPG sector.
WLN – How is LPG produced?
Liquefied Petroleum Gas, or LPG, comprises propane, butane and mixes of the two, and is produced from the oil refining and natural gas extraction process.
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 throughout 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 customers’ needs. Our systems are owned and maintained by AvantiGas and include individual refilling cylinders for the trucks.
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 our 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 – 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 – to industrial and manufacturing processes.
WLN – How clean burning is LPG as a fuel in forklift engines? Can LPG-powered forklifts run indoors?
LPG is a cleaner burning fuel that can be used both indoors and outside, eliminating the need for 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 forklifts? How does the cost of running forklifts on LPG compare with using electricity or diesel?
LPG is a cost effective way of fuelling a fleet of forklift trucks, and offers an excellent return on investment. Using diesel 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 necessitated 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 – 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 the fleets’ performance.
WLN – How can switching to an LPG-fuelled fleet improve working conditions? Is there any compromise on performance?
Forklifts that run on LPG generate less noise and vibration 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 HSE standards 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.
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 is refilled with a pump from the bulk installation.
WLN – What added benefits could businesses expect with switching from cylinders to a bulk LPG supply?
Drivers often change a 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 could a bulk LPG 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 better. This also means that the driver should never run out of LPG whilst working.
WLN – What will you be showcasing at IMHX?
At IMHX we will be showcasing our new brand and offers to the materials handling industry, plus the opportunity to interact and partner with associates in the industry.
WLN – What new products and developments will you be showing at IMHX?
We’re keen on promoting the use of LPG throughout a business, and will be showcasing the use of an LPG/Diesel mix with road haulage fleets. Provided the HGV truck returns to base at some point in its journey to fill up with LPG, it can then also fill with diesel as it normally would. We’re currently trialling this with our own distribution contractor, Wincanton, so have first hand experience when talking to potential users.
WLN – How important are shows like IMHX to your company and its strategy?
It’s great as a major industry player to be able to support platforms such as IMHX, and to be at the forefront in discussions in the future of intralogistics. Whilst we’ve exhibited at IMHX previously under our old brand, this year is really exciting as we introduce AvantiGas to the market.
WLN – The big question: why should a busy professional from the logistics industry take a day out of the office to visit your stand?
We’re a new name in the marketplace, and we believe we have competitive energy solution packages for businesses. We will be there showcasing our enthusiasm behind the new brand and together with our attractive offers, are bringing something new to the market and IMHX.
WLN – Looking at the wider picture, what do you see as the biggest pressures on storage and warehouse businesses?
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.
WLN – What is your ambition for within the forklift truck market sector in the UK?
AvantiGas’ ambition is to be the number one choice in the forklift truck market. We work with our customers to offer the best possible service in delivery, health and safety and customer service.
WLN – Finally, where do you see the UK forklift market and AvantiGas going from here?
Many businesses are discovering the advantages of an AvantiGas LPG supply, and we can only see growth in this industry and a very promising future.
Tel: 0808 208 00 00
email: enquiries@avantigas.com
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