SIA FLEXITANKS - Flexitank System

SIA Flexitanks - Main Sponsor of Glengad FC.

SIA Flexitanks has been the main sponsor for our local soccer club (Glengad FC) for the past 10 years.

They have been league champions for the last 4 years in succession and they are going for an historic 5 in a row this year.

Last season Glengad FC won 3 cup competitions.

Here is the new kit for this season.

Like SIA they are going from strength to strength.

The Global Flexi-Max FLEXITANK SYSTEM

The SIA Global Flexi-Max Flexitank.

• Designed for easy installation with no bulkhead.
• Save freight utilising 53’ dry vans/reefers
• Less packaging costs and labour
• Available in sizes ranging from 12,000 up to 28,000 litres
• Featuring 3 surge reducing individual chambers interlinked by proprietary injection moulded technology User-friendly design with one convenient load and discharge point
• No Bulkheads required
• Disposable, new flexitank every time, no contamination
• Ergonomic design eliminates sidewall pressure
• Eco-friendly and fully recyclable, less carbon footprint
• The Global Flexi-Max has passed the COA Flexitank/container combination Standard Rail Impact Test Loading range: 12,000 to 28,000 liters
• 3" full bore ball valve
• Temperature range: -50C to +70C

Approvals

Produced in Compliance with flexitank PAS 1008:2016

. ISO 9001:2000 Certificate

. HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) . Kosher Certified

. Halal Certified

. Heavy Metal Free Certified

. Phthalate Free Certified

Food and Beverage

. SGS approval . FDA Compliant

. Spetureiitads FLEXITANK SYSTEM Transport and industry

. Container Owners Association (COA) rail test. . Compliant - COA - Recommended code of practice for Flexitanks

Please do not hesitate to contact the team at SIA for more information:

info@siaflexitanks.com | www.siaflexitanks.com

SIA Flexitanks are an award-winning manufacturer of flexitanks. Our tanks are thoroughly tested and utilise the latest in thermoplastic technology:

We offer a bespoke package of high-quality products to our diverse range of clients who are looking to ship their products around the world.

Business Development Manager SIA Flexitanks – Houston, TX.

Business Development Manager SIA Flexitanks – Houston, TX.

SIA is a dynamic company, providing tailored logistic solutions to clients who ship Bulk Liquids all over the world. Our clients are blue chip chemical and food manufacturing companies who expect world class service from SIA team members. Our high- tech approach to Flexitank design and production ensures optimum containment and safety and our tanks are best described as being strong, safe and versatile. SIA has shown impressive growth in recent years and in response to clients’ needs the company has opened full service offices in Ireland, North America, Asia and Europe. There are ambitious plans to open additional offices in North and South America, Asia and Europe. In recognition of our success SIA has been awarded the Irish Exporters Emerging Exporter of the Year 2012. Our team of professionals are committed to finding innovative solutions for our clients to provide them with a stress free experience as their goods are moved across the world. SIA is constantly updating our product and service delivery to clients and as part of the current update we are undertaking a strategic review of operations.
We are seeking to recruit a business development manager to support our expansion plans, and be part of our dynamic team. You will be based in our Houston office. We are seeking an ambitious, confident, enthusiastic individual, with a proven sales record who is comfortable exercising initiative and who enjoys working in a team environment. You will be expected to use desk research, travel and arrange meetings with clients as part of your responsibilities. This is a full time position with an attractive remuneration package, which includes a bonus scheme. A short description of the job responsibilities, are listed below. If you think you are this person and want to enhance your career and grow with this dynamic company then we will be delighted to receive your application.

Responsibilities:
· Develop new markets, achieving sales and growth targets as well as formulate effective sales strategic plans for US market.
· Evaluate market trends, organize information and generate clear concise reports.
· Identify opportunities, establish relationship with key decision-makers and successfully drive the sales process with existing and potential customers.

· Provide technical support and excellent after sale services to existing customers in order to maintain long lasting relationships.

Requirements:
· Bachelor's degree recommended.
· At least 3 year(s) of working experience, preferably those with    hands-on sales of bulk liquid packaging logistics solution experience or related industries.
· A proven record as a Self-starter individual.
· Positive, committed and result-oriented team player.
· Commercial acumen, industry credibility, and professional demeanour.
· Excellent in communication, interpersonal, presentation and negotiation skills.
· Computer literate in MS Office applications.

Interested candidates should submit their applications with a comprehensive resume with detailed job experience and sales achievement records to: Damien McClean CEO – SIA Flexitanks. damien@siaflexitanks.com

SIA Flexitanks - Great ideas and steady expansion lie at the heart of global success

Flexitanks:

Damien McClean's innovative solution has been adapted to move any liquid around the world.

Sean Gallagher

Published 26/10/2014 | 02:30

Sean Gallagher with SIA Flexi-tanks founder and managing director Damien McClean

and European Director Greg Comer. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Every day around the world, companies are involved in transporting huge volumes of raw materials to their factories for use in the manufacture of all manner of products. Similarly, once produced, these finished goods must then be transported to distributors, retailers and to end users in every part of the world.

When it comes to the specialised work of transporting liquid products, one Irish company is leading the way. Based in Carndonagh, on the Inishowen Peninsula, Co Donegal, SIA Flexitanks have developed an innovative method of transporting expensive liquids such as oils, chemicals, liquid food and drink.

Last week I caught up with Damien McClean, the company's founder and managing director, and his European director Greg Comer, at the premises of one of his customers - a well-known global drinks company. Here one of his flexi-tanks has just been filled with alcohol and sits on the tarmac ready to be brought to Dublin Port for its onward journey to its final destination in Asia.

Swinging open the door of a standard 20-foot steel container, Damien reveals one of his flexi-tanks. For the most part, it looks like a large inflatable bag or balloon. Placed carefully on the floor inside the

 rectangular steel container, the deflated structure begins to expand as soon as liquid is pumped into it. On initial inspection, it looks very similar to the bag in a box of wine - but on a much bigger scale.

"Transport and shipping companies who deliver products on behalf of companies already own thousands of these general-purpose steel containers and our flexi-tank solution is an easy and affordable way of converting standard containers into bulk liquid vessels capable of carrying up to 24,000 litres at any one time," says Damien.

"They also have the added benefit of being disposable, so there is no cleaning or no requirement to have them transported back to the company once the goods have been delivered. This makes them more convenient and much cheaper to use compared to other traditional alternatives such as steel tanks or large plastic drums," he adds.

Damien's customers are mostly blue-chip companies in the oil, chemical and food sectors. Among the type of products shipped are car lubrication oil, petrochemicals, ingredients for use in the manufacture of toothpaste, UHT milk, palm and vegetable oils and alcohol in the form of liquid malt, cider and heavier concentrates. Wine makers also use Damien's flexitank to transport wine in bulk from countries such as Spain, California, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, as do olive oil and fruit juice producers from the Mediterranean.

His tanks are also used to carry natural latex which has been harvested from the rubber trees in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand and which are used in the manufacture of rubber gloves, condoms and similar products.

"The one thing all our customers have in common is a requirement to have their high value produce delivered in a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly manner. And our flexi-tanks allow them to achieve this," he adds.

It's an incredibly innovative and well thought out design - one which Damien came up with after more than 20 years working in the global transport and logistics industry.

Damien McClean grew up in Malin, on the Inishowen Peninsula, in Co Donegal. After school, he studied electronics and telecommunications in what is now Letterkenny Institute of Technology. He later moved to London to take up a role in operations with a company called Sea Containers, which specialised in the transportation of bulk liquid products throughout Europe.

When the part of the company in which he worked was sold, new owners Trans Ocean invited him to relocate with them to Southampton in the UK. He stayed with the company for the next 10 years where he became the general manager of their global technical division.

It was during this time that he first came up with the idea of developing his polyethylene disposable flexi-tank. Up to that point, many transport or shipping companies were using a type of flexi-tank that was made from heavy rubber material. However the problem with these was that they were expensive to buy - and, because they were reusable, they had to be transported back to the customer's premises after they had been emptied. In addition, once returned, they were required to be thoroughly cleaned before reuse.

They also had limitations in that not all liquids could be transported in them, as some reacted against the rubber material causing either contamination of the contents or corrosion of the rubber tank itself. To avoid this happening, and in order for transport companies to determine which liquids were or were not suitable, companies had to first submit samples of their products so that a compatibility test could be carried out.

This got Damien thinking. He had noticed that most of these liquid samples came in small bag type containers which were made from polyethylene. He noticed too, that these samples did not react against the polyethylene.

"This gave me the idea to develop a disposable flexi-tank structure that would be made from this polyethylene material.

"This had a number of key benefits; it eliminated the possibility of the contents reacting with the tank itself, was much cheaper to make than its rubber counterpart and because it was much cheaper, could now be disposed of once emptied thereby saving the company both time and money," explains Damien.

Damien later moved to the US to work, but he continued to work on his invention as well as taking the opportunity to complete an MBA.

In 2007, he returned home to Ireland and in 2011 he set up SIA Flexi-tanks. Since then his flexi-tank model has been adopted by many leading companies across the world resulting in year upon year growth for the business.

However, Damien's journey has not been without its fair share of challenges. Firstly, he faced the challenge of raising sufficient funding to hire the right team and to build up the necessary level of stock of flexi-tanks. In this regard, he was fortunate to receive the support of a Middle Eastern- based investor who became a silent partner in the business.

With blue-chip companies tied in to annual budgets and tender processes, Damien had to bide his time to secure contracts. While this resulted in the business taking longer to develop, the lower costs of his flexi-tanks, and the fact that they were disposable, gradually served to win over new customers. However, as with most good ideas, it wasn't long before others too began making similar flexi-tanks.

"There are now 10 factories in Qingdao Province in China alone," he explains. "But many of our customers have told us that they choose to work with an EU-based business because of what they refer to as 'sleep easy service' or reliability."

A major part of his success to date is that he has managed to build a global network of offices and agents which gives him extensive international reach as well as local knowledge in these foreign markets. Keeping large numbers of flexi-tanks in stock has also proved an important selling point.

"Not having a flexi-tank when a customer requires one somewhere in the world is something you just can't allow happen in this business," Damien explains to me. "We also have a very experienced management team who have built up a strong reputation within the sector - and that proves absolutely vital when it comes to asking a customer to trust you with 24,000 litres of extra virgin olive oil or Chianti," he adds.

His staff all have distinguished track records in their respective industries and considerable experience in all aspects of control and regulations associated with flexi-tank container operations which he feels helps his business stand out among other competitors.

Damien is ambitious for the future and is keenly focused on positioning the company for further growth.

He hopes to grow the business through strategic partnership arrangements with large distribution companies, freight forwarders and shipping companies.

In addition, he is currently considering entering into a joint venture deal with a large Asian-based manufacturing company, which has the capacity to open up even bigger markets for the company throughout Asia.

Damien McClean is a bright, affable and dynamic individual. Before starting his own company he developed a thorough knowledge of the sector in which he now operates.

His innovative thinking and problem-solving skills allowed him to identify a gap in the market for a new, more efficient and more affordable solution to transporting high-value liquid assets around the world.

His clear focus and strategic mind set have also enabled him to turn his invention into a successful and truly global business. And although few of us will ever see his product, much of what we drink or consume will likely have been transported to us using his flexi-tank design.

Company name: SIA FLEXITANKS

Business: Transport of bulk liquid products

Set up: 2011

Founder: Damien McClean

No of employees: 28

Location: Headquartered in Carndonagh, Co Donegal, with offices in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Houston, Texas

DAMIEN’S ADVICE FOR OTHER BUSINESSES

1.  If something is not working, act quickly...

"It's best to nip it in the bud early. Otherwise problems will continue to niggle away at you. Similarly, if someone on your team is not delivering results, set clear deadlines and take action. Don't waste time or money - or risk other staff, who are performing, becoming less motivated."

2.  Don't give credit to people you think might not pay...

"No matter how much you are asked or how nice they might seem, never give credit to customers who you think might not pay up, or who do not match the criteria in your credit policy. Hold out, don't give in. If it looks like a dog and smells like a dog, then it probably is a dog. Trust your own intuition."

3. Don't believe anyone who says it's easy being a CEO...

"Being the CEO can be challenging, incredibly demanding and often very lonely. You carry a lot of responsibility for the business, as well as for the finances and the team. However, there are few jobs more rewarding - and once you have been one, it's almost impossible to do anything else."

Sunday Indo Business

The SIA Global Flexitank - NO Seams  A Major Advance in Flexitank Technology and Performance Automated Blown Extrusion Manufacturing - Eliminates Seams

Flexitanks first appeared in the international bulk logistics trade in the late 1970's typically carrying edible vegetable oils and latex.  These tanks were constructed from nylon fabric coated with nitrile, neoprene or butyl rubber and had a life expectancy of 3 to 6 years.  The problem with the reusable flexitanks was damage over the extended life of the flexitank, the necessity to have multiple seams and welds throughout the tank causing weak points and incidents and the fear of contamination from repairs. Damien McClean (CEO at SIA) designed, developed and introduced the first multiply disposable polyethylene flexitank in 1999. The materials used to manufacture the SIA Global Flexitank are autonomously complex original formulations.  The main development was the ability to blow a film that has an 8 metre  circumference thus eliminating the seams that had caused quality issues for many years. The standard technology used for the manufacture is the blown extrusion method, which needs specific high tech equipment and process conditions according to the film's raw material plasticised PE polymers. The automation systems are based on unique software programs based on proprietary indications. The continuous development of processes and new products is managed by a qualified and expert technical staff, supported by a laboratory equipped with the most advanced instruments. The tank insulates well, is resistant against aggressive substances and damage, it is virtually unbreakable and is environmentally friendly. The Global Tank is a unique type of flexible liquid tank, the result of extensive research and development led by Damien McClean with many years experience in the field, utilising innovative thermoplastic materials and cutting edge manufacturing techniques, the technology uniquely adapted to advance bulk liquid transportation. VLDPE Characteristics: The Global flexitank exhibits a range of new features and performance advances: - * Exceptional compounding versatility * Excellent impact strength resistance * Excellent elasticity * Exceptional performance differentiation * Excellent strength, toughness and flexibility over a wide range of temperatures The Global Tank is a single use flexitank for Foodstuff, Pharmaceutical, Chemical or Industrial products. The tank insulates well, is resistant against aggressive substances and damage, it is virtually unbreakable and is environmentally friendly. Seamless outer A seamless outer layer for seamless performance The outer layer is manufactured from a High tensile strength woven polypropylene Certifications The Global tank is made from films fully compliant with the following: *US FDA regulations notably 21 CFR 177.1520 *EU directive 10/2011 *FSSC 22000 *GMP *Kosher *ISO9001 *Rail impact tests *Halal

Eunan Doherty  SIA Flexitanks + 353 749334572 eunan@siaflexitanks.com | info@siaflexitanks.com | www.siaflexitanks.com SIA Flexitanks - The Innovators of the Flexitank

Exports hit record high as Irish firms hit Asian markets

Colm Kelpie

EI chief Julie Sinnamon

COMPANIES backed by Enterprise Ireland (EI) clocked up record export sales last year with the biggest growth occurring in the Asia/Pacific region.

In a welcome sign, export sales into Northern Europe also rose strongly despite tepid economic growth in the euro zone.

And while all sectors experienced growth, food and beverage sales were up 10pc on the previous year.

The semi-state agency tasked with encouraging companies to tap into overseas markets said 2013 witnessed the best performance in more than a decade in both export growth and net job creation.

Businesses supported by EI achieved €17.1bn in export sales - up 8pc on 2012 and creating more than 18,000 new jobs.

When job losses are taken into account, the net increase was 5,442 in the number of people employed - the largest in a decade.

Enterprise Ireland chief Julie Sinnamon, who took over the post late last year from Frank Ryan, said EI-backed companies are contributing hugely to the performance of the economy.

But she said one of the big challenges for Irish enterprises was a lack of scale.

"I think we need to grow our scale in international markets and the scale in Ireland," Ms Sinnamon said.

"We have a small number of large companies and a large number of small companies and what we need is a much larger group of mid-size companies to be able to internationalise in a competitive way.

"It's a work in progress with a lot more to do, but it's good to be doing that from a position of strong performance in 2013."

Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton said the figures were "really impressive" with every region in the country enjoying growth.

"They show the dedication of the staff within Enterprise Ireland but also they show the ingenuity of Irish enterprise and Irish workers in winning new markets against a pretty tough international climate," he said.

The UK remained the biggest market for exporters, with sales worth €6.3bn last year - up 3pc on 2012.

The big success, however, was the surge in the Asia/Pacific region, which saw sales increase by almost a fifth to €1.2bn.

Mr Bruton said this showed that while companies were taking on the more difficult markets, they are the markets that will sustain growth for the long-term.

"Those are the areas of the world where long-term most of the export growth is going to happen," the minister said.

"We need to position ourselves in those markets."

Northern Europe remained the second most important market, with sales of €3.6bn - up 14pc on the previous year.

All sectors experienced growth, with food and beverage enjoying a 10pc increase on 2012 to €9.5bn, while internationally traded services, software and public procurement was up 5pc to €2.72bn.

Life Sciences, engineering, paper, print and packaging, electronics and cleantech was up 7pc to €2.78bn and construction and consumer was also up 7pc to €2.15bn.

In addition, EI invested in 104 new high-potential start-up companies, the highest number yet in a single year.

Close to 860 companies were involved in significant R&D projects of more than €100,000, with almost 140 companies engaged in substantial R&D projects of more than €1m spend.