Tank Connections – Taylor Fuel Control (TFC)

As well as manufacturing and supplying Fuel storage tanks and refuelling systems for commercial transport and logistics industry, Taylor Fuel Controls core technology is in fabrication and steelwork / pipework technologies.

As an engineering solutions provider, Taylor Fuel Control specialises in the integration of different mechanisms of fuel control, used with either secondary heat transfer systems or hydro-carbon fuel sources.

MIS Fuel Monitoring involvement with Taylor Fuel Control follows the sale of Merridale Auditor units for use on refuelling pontoons designed by TFC for use in river estuaries and coastal marine environments. This new business relationship between the two companies was unveiled in June with the inclusion of a Merridale Auditor GS commercial fuel dispenser on the Taylor Fuel Control stand at the Seawork International exhibition.

Whilst the tank is important, clearly it’s the fuel which is the most valuable part of the equation. Our customers want to know that they can account for their stock accurately to guarantee the integrity their refuelling point, so having an option for fuel management is a crucial part of their operation.

“This is a highly specialised market sector which can only be accessed by building good working relationships through the principle contractors, explains Merridale sales director Stephen Hannan.

“Whilst Merridale experience in marina installations was previously fairly limited, our relationship with Taylor Fuel Controls, has opened up some new business opportunities in key areas, such as offshore utilities support vessels, MOD, Port and Harbour Authorities.”
Taylor Fuel Control’s managing director; Gerald King agrees that a strategic partnership with Merridale is mutually beneficial.

“When deciding their operational requirements, the first step for most of our customers will be to question the need to store fuel and weigh up the pros and cons of fuel storage. Our customers need to have reassurance on security and whether or not there is an effective method for monitoring fuel usage.”

“Whilst the tank is important, clearly it’s the fuel which is the most valuable part of the equation. Our customers want to know that they can account for their stock accurately to guarantee the integrity their refuelling point, so having an option for fuel management is a crucial part of their operation”

Gerald King continues: “The Merridale Fuel Management software and the Auditor unit meet this requirement. We like the company because it is independent and I am confident that the Merridale management team shares our business ethos. Customer service is above all other interests and we are all committed to building long term sustainable relationships with workforce and suppliers”

“We need to feel comfortable and that depends on a high degree of trust and reliability. If any member of our team is not entirely happy then we know that something is wrong.”

Recent projects using Merridale fuel management include two refuelling pontoons installed on the Thames to support the Port Authority services. One is located at Richmond in the upper reaches and the second is towards the estuary at Gravesend. Both are self-contained platforms including fuel storage capacity as well as the pump dispensers and Merridale Auditors. Power is provided by solar panels and a supplementary generator.

The platforms extend the operational capability for the police and other authorised users by providing additional refuelling facilities. The requirement originated from the need to strengthen security for the Olympic Games and other high profile events in London.
Taylor Fuel Control have recently turned their attention to the Bio Fuel production and Agricultural grain Bio markets, which along with its continuing fuel monitoring team have seen a rapid growth in this market.