Business survey reveals freight opportunity

So far 135 local business have completed the survey since it was launched earlier this month.

Preliminary results have shown how one local business ‘Enviroclad’ routinely has an empty semi-trailer coming back from Sydney and other parts of NSW and is available to provide freight services.

With a staff of 10, Enviroclad produces Styrofoam waffle-pods for the building industry.

The large polystyrene waffle pods are used in the foundations of new buildings to reduce concrete volumes, increase insulation R values and absorb movement in highly reactive soils (known as Heave) to prevent concrete slabs cracking.

Enviroclad Branch Manager Robert Colafrancesci said he can see a number of opportunities from local operators sharing information.

“We’re sending three trucks carrying 20 to 30 pallets of our products to buyers in Sydney every week,” Mr Colafrancesci said.

“But once we’ve unloaded they’re coming back empty. If this new directory shows up that there are others businesses in Orange who routinely want products brought here, then I’m very interested in talking to them about our back-loads.”

Enviroclad Branch Manager Robert Colafrancesci said he can see a number of opportunities from local operators sharing information.

“We’re sending five trucks carrying 20 to 30 pallets of our products to buyers in Sydney every week,” Mr Colafrancesci said.

“But once we’ve unloaded they’re coming back empty. If this new directory shows up that there are others businesses in Orange who routinely want products brought here, then I’m very interested in talking to them about our back-loads.”

“In a place like Orange we should be able to share information and make the most of the advantages that are on offer. The new directory is a great idea.”

Orange Mayor John Davis OAM said the freight opportunity is typical of the prospects that will come to light once the Supply Directory comes together..

“I’m delighted that more than one hundred and thirty businesses have already completed the survey, but I’m sure there are many more out there who are yet to get to it,” Cr John Davis said.

“If this freight prospect is typical of what’s coming to light at this stage, then it will only get better as more businesses join in.

The Supply Directory project is being jointly funded by Orange City Council and the NSW Department of Industry under the Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program (Energise Enterprise Fund).

Businesses from the region and are being invited to participate in a confidential online survey aimed at gathering information about the main products and services of the business.

The survey will identify potential advantages to be gained from businesses & industries working together to optimise their supply chain.

To complete the supply directory survey click here.