StocExpo 2016, a key event for the tank terminal industry, returned to Antwerp on 15-17 March 2016 and attracted a 13% increase in numbers since the 2013 show. The Antwerp Expo hosted 150 exhibitors and welcomed visitors from major names including Shell, Oiltanking, BP, ExxonMobil, Vopak and LBC Tank Terminals.
Nick Powell, StocExpo & Tank Storage Portfolio Event Manager commented: “Once again StocExpo has surpassed all our expectations. The quality of visitors was exceptional and we are thrilled to announce that 72 per cent of our exhibitors rebooked stands live on the show floor, highlighting just how important the event is for suppliers and buyers. A big thank you to all who attended.
The visitors included staff from Valve World, eager to seek out the latest flow control product offerings. Their first stop was the Netherlocks’ booth, where there was plenty of interest in a brand-new valve position indicator. “Our positioner can send signals about the valve condition straight back to the control room,” explained Marketing Manager Mr Robert Barendregt. “In fact, we have just launched this positioner right here at the StocExpo and are delighted with the response so far.”
The StocExpo attracts international exhibitors, including OCV Control Valves from the USA. Shirley Nelson (Regional Sales Manager) agreed that the StoxEcpo attracted good quality visitors , enabling them to establish and build relationships. Talking further to Valve World, she explained how OCV provided training to its resellers in Europe to ensure that all OCV’s installed valves are properly maintained and repaired.
Safety is naturally a key issue in any branch of industry but especially so in tank farms. And that was exactly what the final two exhibitors wanted to explain to Valve World. For example, Belven discussed their partial stroke test system, which can be used to prove that valves left in the open position for extended periods can still respond properly when given a signal to close.
Meanwhile, French valve manufacturer Buracco said they were pleased by the interest in one of their safety-related products. “We have developed a system around a valve that can automatically isolate tanks in the event of say a power failure,” said Marketing Director Jean-Christophe Kazmierski.
The next StocExpo is scheduled for 28-30 March 2017 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Images from the 2016 StocExpo, including all the companies mentioned in this report, can be found in the Timeline and Photo Gallery of our FaceBook pages here.
