OPW - Breaking new ground and new markets in Europe

OPW Retail Fueling (“OPW”), headquartered in Smithfield, NC, USA, is one of the world’s leading providers of fluid-handling solutions and an integral part of the Clean Energy & Fueling segment of Dover Corporation, a diversified global manufacturer.

Over the past decade, OPW has significantly enhanced its retail fueling product portfolio through the strategic acquisitions of KPS and Fibrelite in 2013, both of which play a pivotal role in providing advanced solutions for the retail fueling industry.

The Synergy of KPS and Fibrelite

The integration of KPS and Fibrelite into OPW's portfolio has created a comprehensive suite of solutions for the retail fueling industry. By combining KPS's advanced piping systems with Fibrelite's innovative access covers and sumps, OPW can now offer a complete and robust solution for fuel containment and safety.

This synergy not only enhances the performance and reliability of fueling stations, but it also ensures compliance with stringent environmental and safety standards. OPW Retail Fueling continues to expand its portfolio of state-of-the-art fueling components and both the Fibrelite and KPS brands continue to lead the industry with their innovative and reliable solutions, providing for safe and efficient fuel handling.

Catching up with Sales Director, OPW Retail Fueling EMEA, Denis Pokrovsky

In meeting with Denis Pokrovsky, in London recently, he outlined the direction OPW Retail Fueling is moving across the global platform of fuel retailing. Denis told me,

“OPW historically built its name over 100 years ago, through nozzles and valves. At the same time, it was dealing with all the leading international dispenser manufacturers, and these were the companies which were doing a star turn in the industry.”

"Outside the US, OPW has been operating in Asia and the Middle East since the 1950’s. It’s the dispenser that has always driven the nozzle market, and whatever nozzle is required usually relies heavily on exactly where you are.

The alignment between the nozzle and dispenser is very strong, and to accommodate the L-frame style dispensers commonly used in Europe, OPW have now developed its own European nozzle. The OPW 21 Series European nozzle is just one of the many new products OPW has brought to the market in recent years to meet market demands".

Photos below show a typical below ground installation in the Middle East utilising Fibrelite sumps and KPS piping.

Denis’s Views on Alternative Fuels

“With 1.4 billion ICE cars in the world, and with the new fuels coming into the various domestic markets, i.e., hydrogen, CNG and LPG, and new fueling technologies like electricity the simple fact is that demand in OPW’s core business will remain for decades. However, in following the industry and shaping its demand, OPW is diversifying its product range to support all new fueling technologies, alongside traditional petrol and diesel requirements.”

Global EV Markets – Denis’s Thoughts

“Politics seems to be a huge driver in pushing electric vehicles forward in many countries, with incentives on offer to all participants under the safe, clean, and sustainable tag lines. But the reality is, the roadblocks to enter the EV market in some countries are just too substantial, i.e., the cost of energy, the cost of producing electric cars, the lack of raw materials like lithium, the under development of an effective charger network, and the lack of technology.

If you look at the total cost of operating an entire EV national network, including the recycling of batteries of course, I believe the numbers just don’t work out financially for many of the less affluent nations. A diversity of all the available alternative fuels will, I believe, spread themselves across the world and as to which countries opt for specific solutions, will be dependent on resources, wealth and the political message of the time.”

Photos below show a composite cover being used for a wireless charging EV plate in Germany for taxis, and Fibrelite manhole covers being implemented at a site in the Middle East.

Denis Talks About the Middle East and African Markets

“The Middle East and Africa have slightly different social patterns compared to Europe in that they have a faster growing population and a younger population, coupled with a developing infrastructure of roads and general transport and hospitality facilities. They are building new towns, new resorts and new places for people to visit.

This means the fuel technology needed to implement these changes is expanding at a much higher rate than it is in Europe, and retailers operating across these markets simply need reliable, modern equipment, which will afford them effective service station networks with a quick return on investment.

Saudi Arabia, as an exceptional example of a developing country in the Middle East, is booming at the moment, and there are new towns sprouting up across the country. It’s very interesting to travel out there, as I have done recently, to observe the huge transition taking place. With that, operators are very demanding on the matter of quality, and they insist on the best

OPW’s success in the Middle East, I believe, has been very positive, especially in the Emirates. Major oil companies, ENOC, EMARAT and ADNOC are each using the whole suite of our products; namely hanging hardware, nozzles, underground containment systems, piping and our trench and manhole covers”.

In Conclusion

There was so much more to talk about, but we simply ran out of time. It was such an enlightening interview, about anything and everything in our industry, and I must say that if you are ever looking for ‘On the ground’ intel on what’s happening out there, buy Denis lunch and mark off three hours in your diary! More details can be found on OPW’s website at www.opwglobal.com

About

KPS: Advanced Piping Systems and Fibrelite: Composite Access Solutions

KPS is renowned for its high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping systems. These systems are designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern fueling stations. The KPS Petrol Pipe System is particularly notable for its conductivity and double-wall piping, which provides an extra layer of protection and an interstitial space which can be monitored, keeping fuel securely contained.

One of the standout features of KPS piping is its conductive properties, which provide exceptional electrostatic safety. This is crucial for compliance with the requirements of EN13463-1 and IEC TS6007932, ensuring the safety of both fuel stations and the people operating in them. The continuous product development at KPS has resulted in more compact, and installer-friendly double-wall fittings, making it a preferred choice among installers.

More details can be found on KPS’s website at www.kpspiping.com

Fibrelite: Composite Access Solutions

Fibrelite specializes in GRP composite manhole and trench access covers and containment systems. These products are essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of underground storage tanks (USTs). Fibrelite's composite manhole covers are designed to provide the highest level of safety, installation efficiency, and containment protection.

The use of composite materials in Fibrelite's products offers several advantages, including lightweight construction, corrosion resistance, and high strength. These features make the covers easier to handle and install, while also ensuring long-term durability and reliability.

More details can be found on Fibrelite’s website at www.fibrelite.com