With the first edition focusing on the French market, Tank Cleaning Magazine took time out to speak to Philippe De Abreu, the director general of LVI – which is also a member of
APLICA
Can you tell me a little bit about LVI and how many tank cleaning stations you operate and where they are located?
The LVI company, which specialises in the interior cleaning of food and industrial tanks, was formed in 1996 in Mâcon in Burgundy, France. The cleaning network has gradually expanded over the years and the company now operates a total of eight cleaning stations located in eight different parts of the country. This allows us to effectively cover the whole country and this also ensures we carry out a significant number of tank cleaning operations annually.
How many lines does each tank cleaning station have and what services do each station offer?
Each station has between three and four cleaning lines. All of our stations use the most up-to-date equipment such as steam generators as well as complete drying equipment for all tank models and various accessories (flexible and/or others). The entire working environment at all of our stations ensures top quality services are offered to our customers. Additionally, all of our cleaning stations are equipped with parking areas, a snack area as well as toilets and showers for the drivers. All this allows them to enjoy the facilities peacefully while optimising their time.
Who are the customers that use your facilities – are they big companies like Stolt, Hoyer or Suttons?
European customers belonging to these big international companies are proud to use our cleaning stations and, additionally, we also welcome smaller customers from all over the European continent.
Why do these businesses use your tank cleaning stations?
The issuance of a cleaning certificate after the various operations are carried out at our stations is a contract that binds our company and our customers together following the successful completion of the cleaning procedures. These carriers use our facilities because the services we provide are of an extremely high standard and these perfectly meet their expectations and those of the various shippers.
This quality has been recognised with the granting of ISO 22000 and SQAS for the majority of our cleaning stations.
Why did you become a member of APLICA and what does the organisation offer for you?
APLICA is an association that connects the players within the cleaning world, which allows them to continuously enrich themselves professionally. Being an APLICA member allows us to issue the EFTCO Cleaning Document (ECD). These certificates are universally recognised within the cleaning networks – they are codes and procedures that are understood by everyone. Finally, being an APLICA member is good for our customers as it is a globally recognised association in the world of cleaning. z
Leading from the tank cleaning front
