Elmac Technologies, the leading manufacturer of Flame Arresters and Tank Protection Equipment has a wide global network of agents who are authorised to distribute our entire range of products. They are trained by our engineers to provide installation, inspection and maintenance services for our end-users.
On this blog, we feature Chaiwat Sitthananun of TERKIS CO. LTD., our representatives in Thailand.
How long have you been involved with Elmac Technologies?
As an engineer with the world’s leading tank storage company, and before starting my own business, I had been involved with Elmac Technologies and their products for over nine years. I started Terkis two years ago and in 2020 our team attended a training program, alongside a cohort of other international agents, at Elmac’s head-office in the UK. We had a full tour of the factory where we saw their state-of the art design, production and testing equipment in action. We were also able to test a range of Flame Arresters and Pressure & Vacuum Relief Valves on their purpose-built rigs. On the last day, and having become familiar with the product range, we attended a service & maintenance workshop where we “got our hands dirty” disassembling and reassembling different types of Flame Arresters, Valves and Emergency Relief Vents in an environment that simulated the services we would now be able to provide to our customers.
What is your background?
I have a degree in Production Engineering and, since graduating, have worked exclusively – for over 15 years – in the oil and gas industry. I gained significant experience on a number of VOPAK depots across Thailand. More recently, we have increased our involvement in the biogas sector where we carry out plant inspections and maintenance operations.
What are your plans for the future?
We have an ambitious strategy to expand our repair, installation and calibration services and we are setting up a fully equipped workshop at our own new facility in Bangkok. We maintain a stock of valves and vents and also spare parts for flame arrester including elements and gaskets. This ensures we can respond to our customers’ needs in a fast and cost-effective way.
What is your key customer-care offering?
We pride ourselves on our technical expertise and have built a strong reputation for installation and repair services. It’s thanks to our customer recommendations that Elmac has partnered with us for the Thai market.
And finally, tell us a bit about yourself. How do you relax after a busy day?
We are now having to work very long hours in order to grow the business. However, throughout this COVID pandemic, we have been able to maintain contact virtually with both new and existing customers so this has meant less travel than usual. This in turn has created a little more spare time for sharing with my family and this is very important to me. I enjoy spending quality time with my wife and three young daughters – going for regular countryside walks and having more meals together than would otherwise be the case.