LP Gas, July 2017
Lifting THE BAR Even as forklift sales rise to record levels propane faces market share losses to electric Propane retailers need to increase education among forklift users to close the competitive gap and stimulate growth industry leaders say C ommerce has boomed in Atlanta over the past few years as a number of companies have moved their headquarters to the city and its surrounding communities Mark Dmochowski sales manager at Georgia Gas Distributors has noticed a rise in warehouse distribution centers being built in the city Atlanta has become somewhat of a distribution hub for the southeastern United States he says The construction of new distribution facilities means an increased need for forklifts Thats a positive factor as the forklift market provides more than 500 million gallons in sales to the propane industry annually according to the Propane Education Research Council PERC The downside to the growth of distribution centers in Atlanta is that many of these facilities prefer to use electric powered forklifts instead of internal combustion IC forklifts which include propane gasoline and diesel models The new warehouses and distribution facilities coming to the area are geared toward e commerce Dmochowski says That means the facilities have narrow aisles and tall shelving which is the electric BY MEGAN SMALLEY SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR msmalley@ northcoastmedia net Continued on page 32 FORKLIFT MARKET The propane industry is working to protect and grow one of its traditionally strong demand areas Photo courtesy of the Propane Education Research Council 30 LPGas July 2017 www LPGasmagazine com
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