In Conversation
An appetite for tanks
When Fuel Oil News visited Allied
Storage Tanks, the company had
just won its biggest ever order.
“With a value of £1.1 million,
this contract alone represents six
months of bread and butter work,
leaving capacity for our regulars,”
said managing director, Phil
Doughty.
“Whilst there were hints
that we were in the running, we
were delighted when all was
confirmed. With additional tank
building for water authorities
and new customers, work so far is
surpassing last year.”
In 2005 Phil sold the
original company, Allied Tanks &
Fabrications Ltd, which 9 years
later went into liquidation. In
2014, Phil, who has been in
the industry since 1970, took
responsibility for the experienced
workforce, now redundant, and
Margaret Major and Jane Raphael
enjoyed a factory tour with Phil Doughty
(r) in the above photograph and Kevin
White (l) providing comprehensive
answers to their many questions
14 Fuel Oil News | March 2019
formed Allied Storage Tanks Ltd.
Owning the factory, Phil was
able to finance the substantial
outlay for both carbon and
stainless steel, the necessary
materials needed to be bought in
advance, and also the labour with
much help from a good customer
base making prompt and, even
occasional early payments,
against invoices. “Successful
trading over the last 5 years helps
to ensure the business stays fluid
and cash rich,” added Phil.
One of the company’s
biggest ever single orders will see
two tanks built on the customer’s
site with 9 being factory-built at
the company’s Darlaston factory
situated in the heart of the West
Midlands. Most of the company’s
tank builds remain as one-offs.
In addition to new tank
builds, the company undertakes
a considerable amount of tank
repair and modification work, such
as replacing a roof, adding new
ladders or constructing a new base.
“When jacking up a tank
to replace perhaps a base or
first course we’re often asked
to increase the tank’s capacity
by adding another course,” said
Phil who notes that a fuel price
rise often sees a demand for
additional fuel storage.
The factory
Acquired in 1994, the present
factory site offers 120,000 square
feet which easily accommodates
16 cranes, including 75 and 50
tonne capacity. The building’s
significant height, and also a
three-metre deep pit enables
tanks of up to 28 metres to be
constructed vertically.
This substantial building
once saw 600 workers daily, now
there are 100 with areas within
the factory now sub-let to a range
of allied trades. Useful revenue
for Allied, the company also buys
products & services from those
renting space which includes
cutting services, a steel stockist
and a skip manufacturer.
“This building may be old, but
we love it,” said Phil.
“It’s a proper fabrication
building, whose early origins
also involved the storage of
ammunition, and it’s a perfect
facility for making tanks.”
A skilled workforce
Joining Phil in getting the new
business off the ground – on
1st February 2014 were Teresa
Cornaby (finance), Kevin White
(site works) and Ray Nicklin
(factory operations).
“I can go out on site knowing
that all is under control,” said Phil.
“I knew the workforce was
good – the bulk of our workers
are Black Country folk trained in
plating and welding; we even have
a second generation from some
families.
“When I contacted old
customers to say that I was back
in charge, it was great to hear
many say ‘wherever you are that’s
where we are too.’ All those who
said they would stick with me have
stuck with me.
“Well-established over the last
five years, we don’t have to sell
ourselves.”
However, one aspect that has
required more effort to resolve
is the fact that Phil has found
today’s Black Country youngsters
much keener to work at a
computer in a warm office rather
than weld in a cold factory; so Phil
widened his search to Lithuania.
The company now employs
18 plater/welders of which 8 are
Lithuanian.
“Having its own welding
school, Lithuania has been a good
recruiting ground,” explained Phil
who set up welding skills tests at
the school.
Looking initially for three
new welders, 19 turned up for the
interview and skills test. Since
taking on the first recruits, they in
turn have recommended others
which led to buying a house
for the company’s Lithuanian
workers.
“It was vital that our working
methods and safety standards
were fully understood so initially
an interpreter was needed to help
those who did not speak English,”
said Phil who has been impressed
by the Lithuanians’ excellent work
ethic.
“Several now speak good
English and can help their co-
workers,” said Phil who has also
learnt some of the language.
“If I could find another 10
plater/welders of their calibre, I
would take them straight away!”
added Phil.
To thank their Lithuanian
workers and to meet their families,
in late December the company
directors joined them for a