Success Story - MSM Transportation

"It's so simple, it's child's play", touts Don Norris, Quality Manager for MSM Transportation. Norris is very happy about his decision to push for natural gas forklifts at their Bolton, Ontario warehouse. Faced with a serious health and safety issue, Norris was forced to find a solution.

They knew there was a problem when operators frequently complained of headaches. But, it wasn't until a carbon monoxide (CO) detector was installed to monitor CO levels in the warehouse on a 24/7 basis that they put two and two together. (The Ministry only requires a check once per week). Once the alarm was installed, it began sounding on a regular basis.

Norris did explore the option of installing a new ventilation system; however it would have been a rather costly avenue. Having been made aware of FuelMaker and their on-site natural gas refueling systems, Norris immediately investigated and checked references. "It was the easiest thing I've ever had to pass by management for approval", says Norris.

In 2000, their propane forklifts were easily converted to natural gas and a FuelMaker refueling system was installed. Since the installation, operators no longer complain of headaches and are in better moods. Also, the Company has saved, not only in dollars, but in productivity. According Norris, "operators aren't taking as many breaks because of the improved air quality".

At first though, the operators were reluctant to switch and challenged management by placing the carbon monoxide detector at the end of the exhaust pipe on the natural gas forklift. But, much to their surprise, the alarm did not sound. Today, the operators are enthusiastic about their natural gas forklifts and how easy it is to refuel. "It's so simple, it's child's play", says Norris.

When asked if he would ever switch back to propane, Norris stated that he could not think of one reason why they ever would. "FuelMaker and natural gas makes our job a lot easier, and it has certainly improved our health and well being, not to mention improved employee morale".

Success Story - Purolator Inc.

George Mokej - Unit Manager
Purolator Inc.

"FuelMaker is the best system for convenience. Natural gas and the FuelMaker system improve air quality in the warehouse, therefore, making for a better workplace. I would recommend natural gas and a FuelMaker system to any warehouse which is closed off."

Purolator who runs six forklifts, two shifts, five days a week decided to convert because re-stocking propane cylinders became a hassle. "Our propane tanks were always late or delivered to our other location. Consequently, we suffered a lot of downtime. Now we don't rely on anyone else because it's on site. We just hook up the nozzle hose to the FuelMaker system and we're ready to go."

"The benefits we've received by using natural gas and a FuelMaker System are convenience - we can instantly refuel our forklifts, improved air quality - no more propane fumes for not only our drivers but our other employees in the plant and cost efficiencies - it is much cheaper than propane. FuelMaker service has been excellent...always there when we need them."

Success Story - F&P Manufacturing Inc.

Gilbert Ouellette - Project Leader
F&P Manufacturing Inc.

"The FuelMaker system is great! It offers safety and cost savings. It will be disastrous around here if we ever converted back to propane."

F&P Industries, who runs 15 forklifts, three shifts, five days a week were one of the first to convert to natural gas. They converted primarily to reduce costs and to improve employee safety.

"We were concerned about the safety of our drivers when handling and lifting the propane cylinders. We were also very concerned about the air quality - our employees on the assembly line were suffering and constantly complaining about headaches due to the propane fumes. At F&P, we are always exploring new forms of ventilation and ways to improve our workplace and natural gas and the FuelMaker system has helped us improve our air quality while at the same time save us money."

The cost savings are significant. "When we converted five years ago, we were running 6-8 forklifts and our fuel bill was reduced from $1,900/month with propane to $650/month by using natural gas. Ironically, now that we are using 15 forklifts, our bill has not doubled."