IFC are experts in tanker loading and market leaders in the sale and installation of tanker loading arms. But where did it all start? How did we build our range and expertise to what it is today? And what’s next? We explore IFC’s long and prosperous history with loading arms.
Loading Arms was part of IFC’s original offerings to the industry. In 1987 Michael Clarke built on his existing knowledge of Tanker Loading Systems that he had already developed working in the industry and started IFC Inflow. He brought with him a rich knowledge base of Loading Skids and Loading Arms as well as good list of contacts in the industry that he was able to draw on. He was quickly able to source a supplier for quality, reliable loading arms with Italian manufacturer Silea who granted IFC exclusive distributorship in the UK. At this time, Silea were just supplying us with arms for the petroleum road loading industry. A deal with struck with a separate manufacturer in 1990 who at the time supplied us with all of our Chemical and Marine Loading Arms. We eventually chose to go our separate ways in 2003 when IFC developed our own range of Chemical Loading Arms. We built on the success of this by bringing out our own range of bottom loading arms developed primarily for our bottom loading skid program.
Going into 2025, we continue to have a strong relationship with our supplier Silea, creating specialist loading arms and loading solutions across more industries than we ever could have imagined way back in 1987. Our standard range now stands at 9 loading arms, comprising of 4 top loading arms and 5 bottom loading arms, and we continue to face new challenges everyday. Throughout our 37 years we have taken great pride in moving with the times. The biggest change in most recent times has been in the fueling and energy industry. We have already taken great steps to ensure our loading arms are adaptable and appropriate to future fuels such as HVO or otherwise. In the coming years we intend to continue to innovate and adapt to make sure we are servicing our customers in the fuel and energy industry with the same level of expertise and reliability they have come to expect from IFC.
Safe to say, a lot has changed in 37 years, but our commitment to our customers and our products stands strong. We look forward to seeing where the next 37 years takes us and how our customer base and product range will look in decades to come!
