Switching LPG supply delivers significant savings for FLT fleet
Potato and vegetable production company, QV Foods, has switched its forklift truck (FLT) LPG supply from a competitor provider to Flogas, in a move that will save it a significant 30% on its bills. This saving has meant the company has also been able to fund a brand new, centrally located gas hub – providing a convenient and safe refuelling station for its LPG FLT fleet.
QV Foods is a fourth-generation, family-run business in Spalding, Lincolnshire, and is responsible for producing 1,600 tonnes of potatoes each week, a wide variety of vegetables (including sweetcorn, garlic, onions, salads and brassicas) as well as freshly prepared, ready-to-cook products. Its farm and four factories are situated on a large 40-acre site, and require 29 forklifts to transport produce daily.
“Switching suppliers after 15 years has made a huge impact on our bottom line. Our FLT fleet is central to everything we do, so it was vital we secured a consistent, reliable supply. But it was equally vital that we benefited from competitive rates too. Switching to Flogas ticked all the boxes for us, and made real business sense.”
Scott Bird, operations manager for potatoes, QV Foods
Improving safety and efficiency with new gas site
Scott continues: “In fact, we made such big savings, that we’ve managed to fund an entire relocation of our gas site – something we’d been hoping to do for a long while. Our LPG tanks were previously located at the far end of the site, which meant long refuelling journeys for many of our forklift drivers.
“The tanks were also starting to get in the way of where lorries unloaded, presenting a potential health and safety risk. Now we have one central site that looks great, meets all safety requirements, is convenient for all drivers, and means we can be even more efficient with operations – we’re delighted.”
Advanced telemetry and industry-leading technical support
As the only LPG supplier to offer support from an in-house technical team, Flogas worked closely with QV Foods to install three custom-designed two-tonne LPG bulk tanks at the new central gas location. These tanks include state-of-the-art telemetry systems, which remotely monitor usage levels and automatically arrange a top-up when needed, so they never run out.
The FLTs are each fitted with their own LPG cylinder, and drivers can easily refill them in just 30 seconds using electric dispensing units. This means heavy lifting is avoided, it reduces costly downtime and improves safety for employees too.
“Another major driver for our move, was the one-to-one customer service we’ve received from Flogas. The team listened to our needs, and provided a tailored solution that really works for us. The best bit is, we know we’re in safe hands and we have continued support that we can rely on, which is what you need in a business like ours.”
Scott Bird
Reducing emissions and improving air quality
Committed to reducing its carbon footprint, QV Foods continues to invest in LPG-powered forklifts instead of diesel, in a bid to reduce carbon emissions, as well as PM10 particles for improved air quality.
As well as being cleaner, LPG doesn’t leave soot on valuable food produce and eliminates any risk of costly spillages. It is also more powerful than electric vehicles, making it the perfect choice for FLTs managing heavy lifting.
Scott concludes: “We’re so pleased with the results of our recent switch and the customer service we’ve received; we’re actually now looking to convert our food production area to Flogas too. This area of the business has a large cooker, that needs 1,500 litres of LPG a week to part-cook potatoes for ready meals. The idea is to have a Flogas-only supply!”