Prowalco Tatsuno has provided a complete solution for the Laser Fast Truck Stop on the R59 near Henley-on-Klip for main contractor Petrocon. This included three 100 000 litre tanks, supplied by local manufacturer Petrotank South Africa. Prowalco Tatsuno also supplied five of its state-of-the-art ICON 5000 petrol pumps.

The project commenced in March, with completion achieved in early June. Prowalco Tatsuno was responsible for the complete installation, including UPP pipes and containment chambers for the pump sumps and tanks. The Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG) solution was supplied by Franklin Fueling Systems from the US, distributed locally by Prowalco Tatsuno.

Although this is a commercial project, the size of the tanks themselves rendered it a significant undertaking for Prowalco Tatsuno, according to Senior Project Manager Barend Bekker. The main challenge associated with the project was ensuring the correct sequencing of logistics on-site, so as to facilitate construction and commissioning.

While the UPP piping and ATG solution is generally kept in stock, specialised aspects such as the pump manufacturing and dispensing units require some lead time, which is factored into the planning stage right from the outset of the project, Prowalco Tatsuno Project Administrator Robyn Joynt explains.

This project was also the first introduction of new EVO200DW ATG technology, installed with the assistance of Franklin Fueling Systems Field Service Engineer Trevor Phillips. “He played a big part when it came to on-site training, calibration, and integration of equipment,” Joynt highlights.

With up to 13 projects being overseen by the UPP Department currently, the opportunity for real growth lies in existing operations upgrading to the latest technology, Prowalco Tatsuno Sales & Marketing Arthur Carolin points out.

“In terms of Greenfield sites, these have strict environmental and related requirements, and hence are only undertaken by the major oil companies. The major part of our business in terms of new pump sales is upgrades. We are also looking to the mining industry for growth, where bulk fuel supply management is a major cost factor,” Carolin elaborates.

Looking at exports, Prowalco Tatsuno currently has branches in Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, and Lesotho, while also selling further afield into Zambia and Tanzania. “With the successful conclusion of our partnership with Tatsuno, we are definitely looking at opening up the African market,” Carolin concludes.