Isla LPG Corporation forecasts a great year for Solane

In the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry where the main product is a commodity that appears to be the same across all brands, Isla LPG Corporation (ILC) and its practically new brand Solane successfully distinguished itself not just from its competitors but more importantly from its former brand name, and ended 2012 with very promising growth figures that assure a prosperous year ahead.

            The year 2012 marked a milestone for Isla LPG Corporation, having successfully re-branded and transitioned Solane from Shellane. High acceptance in the market was evidenced by the over-all volume performance that increased by 6%, complemented by a 10% increase in distributor base. This was a real achievement in an industry that grows only by 1% year on year. Loyal customers were retained and there is a deluge of inquiries from prospective business partners.

            Isla LPG Corporation positions Solane as a product that not only caters to the domestic household market, but also serves other segments such as commercial, industrial and autogas. It is the only LPG company that provides anything from pure propane to pure butane and everything in between, at the highest quality level. Moreover, Solane is the trusted LPG product solutions provider of industry giants, examples of which are Puyat Steel, Nestle, Monde Nissin, the URC Group, major malls and top hotel chains in the country.

            According to ILC Philippines’ chief operating officer Ramon del Rosario, the years of partnership with the country’s industry leaders are a testament to their trust in the company’s consistent delivery on quality, safety and technical expertise. “We are always at the forefront of innovation and continue to look for ways to improve energy efficiency, provide savings, and allow companies to comply with the Clean Air Act by looking for other unique applications for LPG,” he said.

            This year, Isla LPG Corporation, particularly its brand Solane, is aiming for a double-digit growth in all its customer segments. In order to achieve this growth, del Rosario said the company will focus not on keeping up with the competition, but on staying ahead.

Its strategies include tapping on the technical expertise of one of its principals, its business partners as well as ties abroad, including through the World LPG Association; continuous training and competency development of its technical and sales team; expanding logistical capability through a very modern filling plant facility in Calamba; introducing new applications for LPG that will benefit the industrial customers; and improving customer services.

            “To pursue our prospects for the company, we will continue to understand and internalize the needs of all our customers – from all our different product segments. Once we do that, we will custom-fit our offer and provide value propositions that respond to their unique needs,” said ILC chief executive officer, Toshihisa Fuse.

            With a commitment of giving Filipinos access to safe, sustainable and innovative LPG solutions, Solane develops and provides value-laden products, services and programs.

            For commercial establishments to get the most value and maximum usage of their LPG products, the Pure Propane commercial cylinders were introduced, minimizing residual product left inside the LPG cylinder.

To match the busy lifestyle of homemakers, Solane’s Hatid Bahay delivery system is now more efficient and convenient with the launch of the Online Ordering service. It is also beefed up by the 7-Point Safety Check, an exclusive and free-of-charge service conducted by Solane’s well-trained riders to ensure that customers get quality LPG and have properly installed cylinders. Customers are also given 100% assurance of their LPG contents through a free weight-check service called Timbang Challenge.

Building a closer relationship with its customers, Solane also utilizes the internet to provide them information about the brand’s different products and services, know-how’s and safety precautions in handling and storage of LPG, emergency responses, and even recipes for the whole year that moms can easily prepare. Solane’s website (http://www.solane.com.ph) also updates customers about promos and upcoming events of the company.

Consumers should look forward to the continuation of the two successful promotions that were launched last year namely the Solane Loyalista Plus Card and KasosyoKard.

            Given to Loyal Hatid Bahay and showroom walk-in customers, the Loyalista Plus Card can be used for exclusive deals and discounts at Solane partner establishments nationwide. On the other hand, the KasosyoKard is for Solane’s channel partners, allowing them to earn corresponding points on number of purchases made and exchange these for various home items.

            As part of its values formation program, the company is also reviving Little Miss Shellane, bringing back the teen-kiddie beauty pageant as Little Miss Solane. The pageant is a venue for girls from 8 to 16 years of age to discover, develop and nurture their talents and potentials to grow into empowered, responsible and successful women in their own right.

            Overall, ILC wants to continue its commitment to giving life and energy to Filipino households and establishments by providing safe, sustainable and innovative LPG solutions. “We want to be a solid and stable LPG solutions provider, pioneering in every aspect and fuelling the industry’s growth in the many years to come,” said del Rosario.