Crestwood Midstream opened a propane rail facility in Davisville, R.I. The new facility, not far from Providence, R.I., and Cape Cod, Mass., will provide New England with another reliable way to transport propane and NGL supplies, the company says. The facility, served by the Seaview Railroad, contains three 60,000-gallon storage tanks. It also features a dual truck rack that allows... read more
Before the winter of 2013-14 grabbed our attention, chilling us to the bone in many parts of the country, the industry had placed much of its focus on a plan called Vision 2014. The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) initiative intended to return the industry, amid a decade-long decline in retail propane demand, to a growth path. It targeted several... read more
William “Bill” Mahre, owner of Propane Technical Services and a longtime safety advocate in the propane industry, died Jan. 18 following complications from heart and kidney disease. The Minnesota native was 80. The Minnesota Propane Association (MPA) announced Mahre’s passing to its members early in the week, stating, “The family knew how important his many industry relationships were to him over... read more
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved final orders settling charges that AmeriGas Cylinder Exchange and Blue Rhino colluded to push Walmart, a key customer, to accept a reduction in the amount of propane in exchange tanks. Under the settlements, each company is barred from agreeing with competitors to modify fill levels or fix the prices of exchange tanks, and from... read more
CleanFuel USA announced it hired Victor Saenz-Vota as director of engine systems. Saenz-Vota will be responsible for the company’s operation in Wixom, Mich. The company says Saenz-Vota comes to CleanFuel USA from IAV Automotive Engineering Inc., where he worked as program manager on multiple OEM projects. CleanFuel USA says Saenz-Vota is not new to working with alternative fuels. Prior to... read more
Crystal Flash announced it hired John J. Ertle as its vice president of supply. The company says Ertle will be responsible for overseeing all fuel-buying initiatives, from exploration to hedging and purchasing. Crystal Flash adds that Ertle will be responsible for reviewing major business contracts and monitoring fuel markets for the company. Prior to joining Crystal Flash, Ertle served as... read more
Blackmer’s Ebsray Series regenerative turbine pumps and Model RV18 bypass valve for the North American autogas market are now available. The regenerative turbine pumps have been designed and built for high-pressure transfer in autogas applications, the company says. The pumps’ impeller design optimizes hydraulic performance, resulting in high-differential pressures even at low flow rates. The pumps also feature a smooth,... read more
Vision Financial Group (VFG) promoted Conrad J. Eimers as its president and chief operating officer this January. The company says Eimers led VFG to its highest volume and profit in its history last year. Eimers has worked with VFG since 2008. Fred Summers, company founder and CEO, says Eimers has been important to building the company’s sales team and managing... read more
Dead River Co., a home heating products retailer in New England, expanded business by adding a propane storage plant in Bridgton, Maine. The company says the plant can hold 30,000 gallons of propane to serve customers in the Lakes Region area. John Yates, Dead River Co. branch manager for the Bridgton plant, says propane use increased in the Lakes Region... read more
