CleanFUEL USA, the leading supplier of certified and approved alternative fuel dispensing equipment for propane and E85, and liquid propane engine systems, announced Thomas E. “Tucker” Perkins Jr. as president and chief operating officer (COO). Perkins is chartered to lead CleanFUEL USA’s day-to-day operations, oversee product development and commercialization as well as guide sales and marketing efforts. The company also announced today it has grown operations with the addition of a new product facility located in Novi, Michigan — a northwestern suburb of Detroit.
Propane (Autogas) powers roughly 13 million cars and trucks worldwide, and is gaining popularity as an alternative transportation fuel because of its cost competitive and environment-friendly benefits. Limited accessibility to refueling stations has presented challenges for the industry in the past; however, the Department of Energy recently granted $12.9 million to CleanFUEL USA to establish the nation’s first and largest Autogas refueling network.
“The combination of bringing Tucker onboard and increasing our manufacturing capacity during a growth phase for the industry positions CleanFUEL USA to take advantage of the broadening opportunities for Autogas in the commercial and private fleet markets,” said Curtis Donaldson, CEO and founder of CleanFUEL USA. “Tucker has directly contributed to scaling some of the industry’s most respected companies and brings with him a level of knowledge and expertise that will significantly support our continued expansion efforts.”
Perkins comes to CleanFUEL USA with over three decades of industry experience, most recently from Inergy Propane, a national propane marketing and distribution company, where he served as director of business development. Prior to Inergy, Perkins was the CEO of Premier Propane and COO of Columbia Propane. He currently serves on the Board of the Virginia Propane Gas Association and is also active with the Propane Education Research Council and the National Propane Gas Association.
“CleanFUEL USA is at the forefront of alternative fuel innovation, delivering a range of solutions to the transportation market as the U.S. continues to advance propane as it becomes a viable alternative fuel option,” said Perkins. “I look forward to leading the company’s operations and working with the team to further extend CleanFUEL USA’s market opportunities both domestic and abroad.”
Located 40 minutes from downtown Detroit, CleanFUEL USA’s new 5,000 square foot facility will be used to advance the design and development of its Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) systems for OEM and aftermarket fleet vehicles. Efforts will include prototype vehicle construction, light assembly of sub-system components, engineering and design in support of product development and system components and inventory management and logistics.
CleanFUEL USA is recognized by fleet managers, fuel equipment manufacturers and distributors throughout the world for building safe and reliable alternative fuel equipment that meets environmental regulations and helps reduce the U.S. dependence on foreign oil. From fuel and refueling infrastructure to dispensing equipment, engine systems and fleet management systems, CleanFUEL USA provides a total alternative fuel solution with superior economic and environmental advantages.
Founded in 1993, CleanFUEL USA is a recognized leader in certified and approved alternative fuel dispensing equipment for propane and E85, and the development of liquid propane injection systems for light to medium duty fleet vehicles. The company distributes OEM and aftermarket engine fuel systems, fleet management network services, and associated technical support, training and fuel contract services. CleanFUEL USA is a registered trademark of CleanFUEL Holdings, Inc. Headquartered in Georgetown, Texas, CleanFUEL USA has sales, engineering, and operations facilities in Michigan, California, Kansas and Florida as well as international offices in New Delhi, India and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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