It became evident that the design constraints of the fuel island were going to make it a complex challenge. With set dimensions in place, finding an efficient and functional fueling solution that maximized the available space proved to be a challenging task. The need for a robust, scalable, and safe fuel system was paramount, but the parameters were tight, allowing only a few centimeters of leeway for installation.

“At Merridale, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide customised solutions that meet the unique challenges of our clients, and we saw this as an opportunity for our team to demonstrate our engineering expertise and innovative spirit”

“At Merridale, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide customised solutions that meet the unique challenges of our clients, and we saw this as an opportunity for our team to demonstrate our engineering expertise and innovative spirit” explained Sales Engineer, Will Rushforth.

“Understanding the urgency and importance of the project, we collaborated closely with our tank fabricator to devise a bespoke solution. Through extensive planning and creative problem-solving, we designed a tailored fueling system that seamlessly integrated into the pre-made fuel island, ensuring both functionality and safety.”

The final installation included two separate 100,000 litre capacity diesel storage tanks fitted with Merridale MX-T systems, which feature highly accurate gauge technology with precision pressure probes and overfill/bund sensors. These were designed to meet the client’s high-volume fuelling requirements while maintaining stringent safety standards.

Merridale’s tank management systems can now also include stock depletion detection, to alert you immediately, via SMS, of an unexpected drop in fuel level. This means that you will be alerted to any severe leak or theft from the tank that occurs, irrespective of where you are at the time.

As well as the two large diesel tanks, Merridale installed two 10,000 litre AdBlue storage tanks, essential for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions in diesel engines and contributing to the client’s commitment to sustainability.

Multiple state-of-the-art Merridale MX-P fuel pumps were also fitted, capable of delivering fast and accurate refuelling to the demanding fleet.

All these components link to Merridale MX-M fuel management systems, giving fleet operators control of multiple pumps with several options available to control access to fuel, as well as syncing with the web-based Merridale FuelWorks software to unlock the comprehensive benefits of its reporting and data tracking.

“Upon completion of the project, the client expressed their gratitude and satisfaction with our seamless execution. They were very complimentary about our dedication and ability to deliver a complex project on time and given the additional constraints.”

This project at Omega Park serves as a testament to Merridale Ltd's commitment to customer-centric solutions and their ability to tackle challenges head-on.

To find out how a Merridale complete fuel management package could benefit your company, contact Merridale on 01902 350 700 or visit www.merridale.co.uk.

The family-owned business from Willenhall, West Midlands, which began in 1917 as a counter-service grocery store, is now the largest division of Spar UK and employs more than 7,000 people. Their fleet includes over 200 HGVs and costs over £8 million a year, so monitoring their fuel usage is essential.

With four of their depots still using original Merridale Auditors, and two since upgrading to their Merridale MX counterparts, A F Blakemore & Son have opted for the full Merridale MX range at the new Bedford site. This includes an MX-I integral fuel pump and management system, an MX-P fuel pump, an MX-M stand-alone fuel management system, and an MX-T tank management system.

When I started in 2008, we were initially using a different company’s system whose software worked on a single network. We wanted to move to a web-based system that we could access more readily and found Merridale’s FuelWorks.

David Higgs, Logistics Compliance Manager, said “When I started in 2008, we were initially using a different company’s system whose software worked on a single network. We wanted to move to a web-based system that we could access more readily and found Merridale’s FuelWorks.”

FuelWorks, Merridale’s number-one solution to fuel management reporting in the UK, is the choice of many large fleet operators and local authorities, with over 1500 sites already taking advantage of this low-cost subscription-based service. This means that approximately 16 million litres of fuel during 160,000 fuelling transactions are accounted for each week using Merridale FuelWorks web-based software.

The ability of FuelWorks to be accessed through any standard web browser across multiple platforms gives the user complete flexibility and accessibility. This eliminates the need for software to be installed on office computers and avoids any extensive training, security, and backup issues for the user. This also means that users can access the vital data they require from anywhere and at any time, something that has become an even greater necessity as more companies now permit their administration staff to work from home. 

The software has been designed in-house by Merridale to be as user-friendly as possible, without sacrificing any functionality. This package is under constant review and is updated based upon customer feedback on a regular basis. Merridale also offers unrivalled levels of support and training, with initial training being available remotely, and a helpdesk on hand to offer ongoing support. 

On this, David said “FuelWorks is very simple to use. It’s so easy to pull reports off, to add new drivers or vehicles, it’s just an easy system to work with. But if there is ever something I need support with, Merridale are always quick to answer my calls and have solved the problem straight away.”

FuelWorks can also monitor tank levels and predict low stock, sending email alerts as needed and SMS texts in the event of severe leak or theft. Other features of FuelWorks include secure encrypted HTTPS connections, multiple users across multiple sites, real-time capabilities, a range of reporting features (including fuel, cost, vehicle and driver performance, and environmental impact) and tank stock reconciliation and costing.

Fleet operators who wish to upgrade existing Merridale equipment to use FuelWorks need not worry about replacing existing hardware to do so. Merridale can upgrade most existing systems to make them compatible with FuelWorks, no matter how old the system is.

To find out how a Merridale fuel and tank management system could benefit your company, contact Merridale on 01902 350 700 or visit www.merridale.co.uk.

With a fleet consisting of 65 articulated trucks and a current annual fuel spend of roughly £3 million, UK operations manager Kevin Hopkins decided to bring their fuelling solutions in-house in July following ever-increasing prices when using fuel cards.

In the short amount of time we have had the software, we have already noticed a difference. Fuel spend is better and we can identify high usage areas and customers, this helps us to account for every litre of fuel purchased.

“We decided to invest in a fuel management system having previously purchasing fuel on fuel cards only. We needed to take more control over our costs and reduce any waste. After speaking to other transport companies, we were recommended Merridale as the ideal solution.”

“In the short amount of time we have had the software, we have already noticed a difference. Fuel spend is better and we can identify high usage areas and customers, this helps us to account for every litre of fuel purchased.”

With these uncertain times looking to continue further, working from home may fast become the new norm. The ability of FuelWorks to be accessed through a web browser on any device gives the user complete flexibility and accessibility, eliminating the need for any software to be installed on office computers. This means that users can access the vital data they require, from anywhere, at any time. FuelWorks can also monitor tank levels and predict low stock, sending email alerts as needed.

“The whole system is so simple and easy to use. Following our initial training, we needed to raise some questions early on with the support team. The assistance offered and given by Merridale since installation has been faultless and really helped us to adjust to these new working conditions.”

Merridale also offers unrivalled levels of on-going maintenance, support, and training, which includes a help desk and suite of online help videos.

On having to use Merridale’s after-sales support, Kevin said “Following an accident where the house couplings got damaged, we contacted Merridale for repairs and were impressed to see the work carried out within 48 hours. We have also used the helpdesk for assistance with the software and had any problems resolved almost immediately.”

Fleet operators who wish to upgrade existing Merridale equipment to use FuelWorks need not worry about replacing existing hardware to do so. Merridale can upgrade most existing systems to make them compatible with FuelWorks, no matter how old the system is.

To find out how Merridale FuelWorks could benefit your company, contact Merridale on 01902 350 700 or visit www.merridale.co.uk.

Hardware elements comprise equipment for data acquisition and stock management. 

Merridale Auditor control units have been installed at each of the group’s network of 16 fuelling points. These are complemented by Merridale contents monitoring and telemetry communications for all the diesel and gas oil storage tanks. In operation the Auditor units capture details of every fuelling transaction. This data together with a live stream of the current stock levels is then uploaded daily to a central processing service for analysis and the production of fuel usage reconciliation reports. Key information is also presented as a management dashboard, which can be accessed from any office PC or mobile device.

Gregory Distribution operates a mixed fleet of around 750 HGV commercial vehicles including tankers and articulated trailers.

“We have to account for the consumption of more than a million litres of fuel every month, explains business project manager, Kit Reynolds. We needed a more efficient system to monitor fuel usage. This is not only important for cost accounting and security but also operational resilience and our ability to make better informed decisions on fleet efficiencies. 

He continues: “The Merridale web service gives us the tools we need to manage every aspect of our fuel usage.  This also covers our responsibility for monitoring CO2 emissions and the impact of our operations on the environment.

“Fuel is procured both externally, on the road, as well as in bulk, for dispensing from depot fuelling facilities located at the group’s hub operations. To give some idea of current consumption, some 15 million litres of fuel is purchased directly from the oil companies per annum. The new set up puts in place a unified approach for the management of all depot fuel dispensing and stock control,” he says.

An immediate benefit of the tank contents telemetry systems is that fleet managers can now reconcile wet-stock contents against fuel drawn on a daily basis.

“We are using this feature to cross check the performance and accuracy of the pump dispensers,” says Kit Reynolds. Adding: “As anomalies are discovered, the equipment can be reviewed, and cost/benefit decisions taken about repair or replacement.”

Partnership sourcing

Having an on-going status report on fuel stocks has also opened up the scope for developing closer partnerships with the group’s fuel oil suppliers. Stock levels status can be shared, enabling future contracts to be drawn up in which the fuel oil distributors take responsibility for replenishing supplies. In effect this shifts the emphasis and potential risks from re-ordering at minimal stock level. to a more proactive supply model, allowing the supplier to make deliveries as and when it is convenient. On planning delivery routing, the supplier can see that a particular Gregory depot tank has sufficient room to accept a top-up delivery.

“This is a ‘win-win’ solution for partnership sourcing says, head of fleet compliance & vehicle procurement,  Paul Willis. “One of our major accounts involves the daily milk round collections from farms in North Devon Bearing in mind the recent ‘beastly’ weather, any disruption to our fuel supplies will impact on our operational resilience.  For the oil companies’ viewpoint, delivery costs are reduced, and we both achieve savings as the pay back from the economies of scale.”

As part of the £billion Connect Group, the company has built an enviable brand reputation for the provision of competitively priced services for customers throughout the UK and overseas. Their vehicles, branded ‘Big Green Parcel Machines’, are a familiar sight on British roads.

Tuffnells Parcels Express continues to update and expand its operational network and there are plans to open six new depots during the next two years.

“Fuelling the company’s road transport fleet is key to the company’s commitment to reliability,” explains head of management services, David Emsen.

“We want to ensure that the business has absolute control of this vital resource. This includes the provision of a contingency buffer against any possible disruption of fuel supplies because of events beyond our influence.”

Depot fuelling has been an integral part of the company’s infrastructure for more than 25 years. Currently 40 Tuffnells depots are equipped with diesel fuelling facilities. Merridale fuel management was introduced ten years ago as part of a group initiative to standardise this important administrative process.

David Emsen continues “This infrastructure is under continuous review to ensure that it meets the current operational requirements, not only locally, but also as part of the national network. Historically, fuel management was localised and the depots were responsible for their own vehicles. A separate ‘visitors key’ account was set up to cover fuelling of vehicles from other depots.

“We have made the switch over to Merridale FuelWorks, which is a common web-based platform serving the entire network. This means that the driver of any Tuffnells vehicle can draw fuel at any of the group’s depots. As well as tightening up fuel usage monitoring, this measure has eliminated the risk of unauthorised fuelling, by taking out the need for a ‘visitors key'.

“Fuel is now being procured on a group basis and the depots are charged on the usage of their vehicles irrespective of where they fuelled. Depots are required to monitor stock levels and inform the head office when to reorder. We have achieved further economies by installing larger tanks at the hub depots. This additional capacity enables us to obtain best possible bulk prices for complete tanker deliveries instead of partial loads.”

“Fuel is the life blood of our business and the Merridale service enables our Fleet department to account for every litre. Using Merridale FuelWorks we can create fleet statistics to analyse vehicle fuel consumption over different routes and combinations for trunking, rural or urban deliveries.“

Voets was commissioned to provide Creventic with trackside fuelling facilities based on portable petrol pumps using a road tanker supply vehicle. The pump is a bespoke system which uses a Merridale fuel management unit and hand held proximity data tags, enabling the software to identify each vehicle at the pump.

In operation, the team managers can control the amount of fuel dispensed and optimise this according to race parameters. This speeds the fuelling turnaround, ensuring also that the cars are taking on just sufficient fuel needed to complete the race.

At the Hankook 24 hours event held at Silverstone in April, Merridale technical director, John Russell met with Creventic operations staff, Ole Dorlemann, to discuss further refinements to the software functionality.

As John explains. “They wanted a means of using the data tags to display the fuel allowance on the system to allow closer scrutiny by the race marshals. This modification has been incorporated and the equipment is now providing a comprehensive solution to meet their requirements.”

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.

Oranel’s proprietor, Michael Higgins has worked with MIS Fuel Monitoring for nearly two decades, since the first Merridale installations went into Ireland. Initially, Michael’s role was as the commissioning engineer with a forecourt services provider.  As priorities changed, Michael Higgins set up Oranel to provide continuity of service support for the growing base of Merridale customers, both in the North of Ireland as well as the Republic.

We share the Merridale ethos for quality and commitment to customer service. If we cannot respond within 24 hours we will guarantee 48 hours and a satisfactory outcome – whatever the problem.

“So that makes us the official  ‘Go to’ guys for Merridale fuel management solutions in Ireland,” says Michael Higgins.

“As consultants, we assist our clients in the evaluation of their existing installations and make recommendations for upgrade and replacement. Recent projects include the implementation of  FuelWorks management systems with one of the Republic’s semi-state owned energy companies.

“Under EU rules, these organisations are required to meet strict limits for their carbon footprint – which requires more effective methods for monitoring diesel consumption across all their operations.  Other customers in Ireland include the Office of Public Works (OPW), oil distribution terminals and haulage firms. We have also recently completed four installations for motorway maintenance depots.

“Ireland is a fairly tight community and much business comes from word-of-mouth recommendations.  One of our main advantages here is Merridale’s reputation for reliability.

“In one case, we had a customer working with software that was so old that we have had to re-install their system. The service call came because the pump wouldn’t switch off and the screen had failed. We provided a next day response to fix the problem but the software was so old we couldn’t load an upgrade.

“We were confident however, because Merridale doesn’t fail. And very soon we got him up and running.  It is this combination – of robust equipment and excellent customer service which underwrites our business.

“We share the Merridale ethos for quality and commitment to customer service. If we cannot respond within 24 hours we will guarantee 48 hours and a satisfactory outcome – whatever the problem.”

A cluster off these around Leicester will be familiar with John Wigfull & Co which provides service support and advice on the procurement of depot fuelling facilities.

The business is now being run by the founder’s two sons Tom who deals with liquid fuels and Richard who looks after the LPG side.

Although Wigfull’s mainstream business is in the installation and maintenance of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) distribution plants, the company’s experience includes the installation of petrol and diesel dispensing equipment for both retail forecourts and the commercial plant sector.

“We have been working with Merridale for more than ten years,“ explains Tom Wigfull.

“It is more of a watching brief these days but projects do crop up from time to time and I am happy to say that our relationship with Merridale is based on a shared ethos for quality and customer service.

“We aim to deliver the extra mile in terms of customer service. For new installations, we may assist in specification and some hardware customisation and we are on hand to provide the support and local response should there be any service issues.

“We are familiar with the Merridale fuel management reporting software and when it comes to providing advice to our customers, we understand the significance of lifetime support which differentiates Merridale from other equipment on the market.

“We will recommend what the customer needs rather than what he thinks he wants. We wouldn’t countenance fitting something that is going to become inefficient and unreliable.

Our LPG credentials cover the strictest qualifications for work in this environment.

A more recent service has been the treatment of fuel which may have been contaminated either by water or algal/fungal growths, so that the customer can have a reliable clean source of fuel. This is becoming a serious problem with the extensive use of B5 bio-diesel.

“We are doing good business whilst other companies specialising in facilities infrastructure are suffering from the consequences of the economic crisis,” reports operations director, Eric Janssen.  “However transport logistics are crucial to the economy and trucks still need to be refuelled.”

“Fuel management is now seen as an essential tool and the fleet operators are always interested in new developments in the software for generating stock usage reports. So even in difficult times, the smart operators are happy to update their depot equipment to remain competitive.”

“Of course we are all under pressure to manage costs and everybody is becoming more price sensitive, but we believe that the customer service and back up support offered by Voets Installaties are recognised as key differentiators.  We aim to build long term working relationships with our clients and as long as this is backed up by good quality equipment, we know that we have the resilience to meet every new challenge.”

Eric Janssen continues: “In our home market across the Netherlands, there are six companies offering similar facilities services and some are much larger than we are. As a smaller company we have advantages because we are more flexible, we have less bureaucracy, shorter lines of communications and a better understanding of our customers’ operational requirements.

And with Merridale support we are also innovative. For instance we have had some success with our ‘special’ dual-speed pump. This allows operators to select either a high speed delivery rate for large capacity truck tanks or a standard flow rate more suitable for cars and vans.

During 2012 we have secured some valuable contracts in the public transportation sector. In the Netherlands, contracts for bus services are placed against regional concessions which are put up for tender for a certain amount of years. As concessions are awarded, there are opportunities to bid for new or upgraded infrastructure equipment such as fuelling facilities.

Currently Voets is providing Merridale twin pumps to a number of installations for the Arriva group, which has gained a considerable amount of new concessions in 2012. This work is expected to continue in 2013 as there are additional opportunities to bid for fuelling upgrades.