Bulk Distributor Jul/Aug 2020 | Page 10

10 BULKDISTRIBUTOR Flexitanks & Liners July/August 2020 Flexitank Finder platform up and running Flexitank Finder has now launched its b2b global platform. The aim is to offer the global bulk liquid logistics market a more sophisticated and innovative way to source flexitanks. Several leading flexitank manufacturers from China, India and Europe have already been signed up, the portal’s founders say, and discussions with several other manufacturers are at an advanced stage. Flexitank Finder expects to finalise additional partner agreements during the third quarter. Additionally, the portal has now entered into a long-term partner agreement with Premier Bulk Liquid Alliance Ltd (PBLA). This agreement provides PBLA members instant access to global brands at preferred volume discounts offered by appointed flexitank manufacturers. “The response from the global market has far exceeded our expectations,” said president and co-founder Horst Behm. “In the first four weeks alone following the launch, we received requests from more than 25 international companies in 15 countries to access our online global portal. We cordially invite all interested parties to subscribe to our free online portal.” www.flexitankfinder.com More than getting by It’s been quite the ride since OEC Group’s Liquid Logistics Solutions (LLS) division officially launched in August last year. One year in, the company says its team is consistently delivering results for clients, like additional carrier space it has secured by leveraging parent group OEC’s relationships and wielding considerable buying power. Moreover, the strengths of LLS’s in-house designed flexitank, the OEC Shark Tank, continue to be demonstrated through client feedback. But one key ingredient behind LLS’s early success was a friend: Jason Wright, co-founder and vice president of the Premier Bulk Liquids Alliance. The PBLA played an indispensable role by helping the division enter and form lasting connections in some of the most challenging markets. “Our partners at PBLA have played an important role in the growth of our business, supporting us in challenging markets,” LLS managing director Lynn Stacy said. “Venturing into new markets can be complicated, but our partners at PBLA have made it so much easier.” Being in the Alliance has given OEC LLS direct insight into local markets and helped it create win-win partnerships across the globe. “PBLA been very helpful with our growth efforts,” added Stacy. “We look forward to continuing our work with PBLA as it continues to support us while we move into new territories. Our strong relationship will only get closer as our team continues its global expansion.” Led and staffed by veterans of the bulk liquid transport industry, the LLS home office is in Houston and the division’s other locations are in Europe, Asia and Latin America. www.oecgroup.com PBLA opts for virtual networking event The COVID19 pandemic had already obliged the Premier Bulk Liquid Alliance (PBLA) to postpone its Dubai event from June to October this year. However, the difficulties in international travel in the coming months coupled with differing levels of security and travel restrictions in each country mean that it is not realistic to entertain the idea of a physical presence conference in 2020. So instead the organisation has come up with the PBLA Virtual Global Network Meeting. This will take place during the week commencing 19 October, and to all effects and purposes will have the same the same content, 1 to 1 meeting opportunities, speakers (webinars), workshops (virtual breakout meetings), sponsors (virtual booths), etc, as was planned for the Dubai event. It will be spread out over four days to cater for global time zones using the most suitable virtual conferencing software available on the market. This way, during these times of volatility, uncertainty and complexity, industry partners will still be able to meet and network encouraging new business opportunities and exchange ideas within the safe harbour of the PBLA. The PBLA is now present in over 40 countries and expects significant participation in the virtual event. A physical presence network event is now scheduled for March 2021. www.pblalliance.com