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In the pipeline at ESL
ESL has invested in modern, sophisticated facilities and systems to bring the terminal up to date. The terminal is on the former BP Castrol site which closed in March 2010 with the loss of 60 jobs
Deputy editor Liz Boardman visited engineering manager, Phillip McEvoy to find out more about the company’s plans for growth.
Innovation and diversification
“Innovation powers our long-term growth and is at the heart of what we do,” said Phillip. “Established in 1999, ESL Fuels pioneered the manufacture of alternative industrial fuels long before anyone was truly aware of the impact caused by greenhouse gases and CO2 emissions. We’ve gone on to diversify, specialising in the design, manufacture and supply of a wide range of innovative fuel products.
“The move to Stanlow has opened the doors for further diversification. We’re in a key location with extensive storage and have numerous opportunities to move the business forward.”
In addition to a long-standing partnership with Certas Energy, ESL has recently further strengthened its well established collaboration with Essar Oil (UK), by linking the two facilities together. “The infrastructure for growth is in place,” said Phillip.
“We have an excellent relationship with Essar – they have a good track record of supporting local companies and are helping us to grow the business.” This is being done by moving away from the traditional customer supplier model and moving towards a solutions driven collaboration between ESL and Essar. “We see Essar as a supportive and innovative business partner.”
Colin Dixon, Essar’s head of marketing commented: “Our partnership with ESL is a great example of Essar’s commitment to delivering world class service to our customers in the reseller channel. We’re proud to have supported ESL’s growth since the early days of their business.”
ESL operates a pipeline network that runs through the Stanlow refinery to the terminal’s quayside with the Manchester Ship Canal, opening up further opportunities for the company by having the ability to import and export products by ship.
A bespoke service
ESL can offer a huge range of customer offerings, from standard storage solutions to bespoke discrete toll manufacturing and blending services.
“We have 112 tanks offering at total of 50,000 cubic meters of storage, of varying capacity and function. Any tank can be heated, agitated and blended with components from any other tank on site.
“We’re committed to working with customers and providing bespoke solutions. We pride ourselves in offering a good service at a reasonable cost.”
ESL has recently been awarded a major contract on behalf of a leading biodiesel supplier. This will see ESL blend up to an additional 100 million litres per year. This contract was awarded by working closely with the operator to provide a tailored solution to their requirements.
The company, which was founded by Stephen Whittaker and now employs 30 people, is also going through a program of major capital investment. This is focused on improving the terminal’s capability so customer service and efficiency will be optimised. Investment is also being targeted in terminal infrastructure and asset integrity. “Robust asset management is at the heart of everything we do, this allows us to sustainably provide an excellent service to all customers.”
ESL has also recently invested in four new In-Control loading skids to enable a quick turnaround for fuel collection for both customers and its own tanker fleet. Now supplying up to 180 million litres of alternative fuels per year, the company uses in house transport combined with dedicated haulage contractors to deliver a first class service.