StocExpo 20th Anniversary Interview Series: Alec Keeler from Carbis Loadtec

How has the tank storage market evolved over the past 20 years?

 In the context of Stocexpo, I’ve seen huge growth in automation in various forms. It’s always interesting to walk around and see what’s trending. A few years back it was drones and internal tank inspection “robots”. More recently there seem to be computer systems that can monitor and control terminals, logistics and efficiencies. Whether they accurately reflect the actual needs in the market is only something that end users can say. For our part, interest and demand for our goods and services has been fairly constant over the many years of exhibiting. 

What has been your most memorable moment / year of StocExpo over the years? 

Difficult to say, but I suppose one of the early shows when a guy walked past us. Stopped, turned around and ultimately placed a £1 million order!  That doesn’t happen every year…

What have you gained from attending StocExpo?  

A wider audience for our philosophy, passion and products. A better appreciation of where the industry is heading and what it will need and obviously meeting key players within the industry. I also think that it has shown how the industry is diversifying with segments aimed at renewable and sustainable solutions. Have you met any lasting connections?  Yes, very many. A good number of which we are proud to call friends. It’s a big part of deciding to exhibit. Meeting acquaintances old and greeting new. 

What would you love to see at StocExpo in the future? 

A wider international audience. Tricky when everyone is trying to be carbon neutral. But there’s nothing like it anywhere else and the NW European visitors will also make judgement calls on whether there’s anything new to see when making the decision to attend.