Expansion into overseas market deemed a local success story
Australian bulk equipment manufacturer Omni Tanker has broken into the North American market.
It links with US partner MAC Liquid Tank Trailer (MAC LTT) to deliver its innovative carbon composite tank trailer (also known as a CTMV or road tanker) to first customers All Chemical Transport and Brenntag North America.
Specifically designed for use in the transport of highly corrosive liquids, such as acids and bleach, Omni Tanker’s carbon composite tanks are underpinned by trailers designed and engineered in the US by MAC LTT – which will also acts as the sales agent via its North American dealer network.
“Our team is focused on the development and manufacture of cargo tank equipment to optimise the safety and productivity of chemical transport,” Omni Tanker CEO Daniel Rodgers says.
“With our revolutionary composite solution, we have seen significant gains in the efficiency of chemical haulage in Australia and internationally, particularly for the challenging Chlor-alkali liquids.
“A major goal has been to take the technology to the North American chemical haulage market and, with assistance from the Australian Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre [AMGC] and North American Transport Consultants [NATC], we have been able to develop and certify the Omni cargo tank, and forge a collaborative partnership with MAC LTT to launch the Omni Tanker by MAC LTT.”
The collaboration underscores 10 years of research and development by Omni Tanker into dangerous goods transport, it notes.
The novel, patented, composite technology addresses many of the limitations of traditional rubber-lined steel and fibreglass tanker solutions which suffer from strength limitations.
It does so by combining a completely seamless thermoplastic interior with a high-strength carbon fibre exterior, to deliver a product which has a higher resistance to chemical attack and is stronger, lighter and easier to clean than traditional road tankers.
“When we were first approached with Omni Tanker’s solution we were thoroughly impressed and immediately interested in the prospect of partnering with them,” MAC LTT vice president Matt Niemeier says.
“It was immediately evident that their innovative design is a technological leap forward in the transport of aggressive chemicals.
“Combined with the MAC LTT manufacturing processes, Omni Tanker will improve the safety, efficiency and versatility of North American freight operators.”
The innovation has the backing of Steve Quadrel, the president of All Chemical Transport and Leasing.
“As a company owner I am always open to staying ahead of the times. We were excited by the potential of the Omni Tanker trailer and can’t wait to get these into service and on the roadway,” Quadrel says.
Omni Tanker’s overseas potential has previously been earmarked with various funding contributions, including $4 million investment from the Clean Energy Innovation Fund (CEIF) and $250,000 from the AMGC.
How Omni Tanker’s product innovations earned a funding boost, here
“To watch Omni Tanker take Australian innovation to the world is a testament to their commitment, the value of their product and it reinforces AMGC’s goal of helping Australian manufacturers compete on a global scale,” AMGC managing director Jens Goennemann says.
The company also receives high praise from Australia’s ambassador to the US, Arthur Sinodinos.
“Omni Tanker is another Australian success story in the land of opportunity, our most trusted ally the United States of America, by making a long-term commitment, partnering locally and being persistent.
“These are the characteristics that we see the United States value time and time again.
“Australia is world-class in advanced materials, especially carbon fibre, and Omni Tanker is a shining example of our ability to innovate locally and launch globally.”
Omni Tanker may expect future growth opportunities if the reaction in the States is anything to go by.
“After working closely with Omni Tanker and understanding their technology I became convinced that this advancement needed to be moved from UN Portable Tanks into CTMV use throughout North America,” North American Transportation Consultants, Inc. (NATC) president JP Gibbons says.
“It is now a reality and I strongly support its use for the approved aggressive corrosives.
“The future for an alternative to metal CTMVs is firmly here and worth serious consideration by all major carriers and shippers of hazardous materials and dangerous goods.”