Rampmaster Press Releases

Rampmaster Unveils Industry-Shifting Engine Management System for Fuel Pumping Efficiency at NBAA2011

2011-10-10T00:00:00-04:00

Las Vegas, NV – October 10, 2011 – Rampmaster, the premier manufacturer of aircraft refueling solutions for the worldwide commercial and general aviation markets, unveiled its latest technical innovation for refueler pumping flow control at the NBAA2011 Annual Meeting & Convention. A revolution in pump module design that completely obsoletes dozens of maintenance-heavy wearable pumping parts, Rampmaster’s patented Engine Management (Flow Control) System [EMS] is being recognized as a true game-changer in the FBO market – and was extremely well-received by those in attendance at NBAA2011, which draws more than 25,000 business aviation professionals each year.

This EMS technology was developed by Rampmaster’s vice president of Engineering and Production, Owen Watkins, to combat the excessive inefficiencies of traditional pumping methods which run truck engines at a constant RPM during the fueling process. Unlike the complex pump units of traditional refuelers, EMS automatically monitors PSI and flow rate to continually vary truck engine RPM for optimal fuel flow efficiency. The simplified pump solution removes the need for venturi and control valves, replacing them with a patented system of sensors to maintain even pressure in the wing. Reducing the load on the refueler’s engine, as well as the waste of a constant fuel burn, EMS obsoletes traditional complexity to improve the cost, efficiency and reliability of the entire refueler system.

“By automatically governing engine speed, EMS can provide up to 40% fuel savings, yield 46% less engine wear, and reduce truck emission by 63% – giving operators unprecedented cost savings while helping to greatly reduce their environmental footprint,” said Bob Watkins, Rampmaster founder and co-CEO. “When conference attendees saw these stats, along with our table filled with the wearable parts that can be eliminated – hoses, filter, meter, control valves and pipe – EMS made a compelling case.” So compelling, in fact, that Rampmaster sold 26 new EMS-integrated units to FBO customers during the 3 day exhibition.

For those in the business aviation community interested in more information on Rampmaster’s EMS flow control technology, visit www.rampmasters.com/EMS or contact Kevin Ward, Rampmaster Director of Marketing, at 800.344.4018.

About Rampmaster
Rampmaster is the premier manufacturer of aircraft refueling solutions, known in both the commercial and general aviation markets for its technical innovation, quality production standards and superior customer service. Since its founding in 1968, Rampmaster has consistently delivered unprecedented product advancements that benefit customers’ airport operations through longer refueler life cycles, significant fuel and maintenance savings, lower EPA emissions and more.

Today, Rampmaster is global in scope, but remains an innovative and exceptional family-owned U.S. manufacturer, well known for re-investing capital to advance the refueling industry by way of thought leadership and quality craftsmanship.

For more information, please visit www.rampmasters.com.

Rampmaster’s RampCart Furthers Green Airport Initiatives as a 100% Electric Hydrant Cart Solution for Narrow Body Fueling

2011-11-29T00:00:00-05:00

Coatesville, PA – November 29, 2011 – As the premier manufacturer of aircraft refueling solutions for the worldwide commercial and general aviation markets, Rampmaster is known for leading the industry in technical innovation. Now, it is continuing to further its commitment to raising quality standards with its latest green hydrant fueling solution, the RampCart. This 100% electric, self-regenerating hydrant cart offers airports a zero EPA emission solution for narrow body fueling, providing a new opportunity to further reduce the environmental footprint of their operations.

Traditional commercial airline refueling hydrant system options have been limited to either stationary carts or mobile carts that use a truck chassis. Rampmaster’s self-propelled RampCart leverages a hand cart design to enable easy maneuverability between gates without the need for a combustible engine. This mobility, combined with a self-regenerating capability that never requires plug-in, allows airports to reduce their hydrant cart unit numbers while completely eliminating connection to the upstream fossil fuel chain.

“The RampCart offers a win-win for operations that want to reduce costs efficiently while positioning themselves for environmental compliance,” said Kevin Ward, Director of Marketing at Rampmaster. “As the industry continues to focus on green initiatives that enable cleaner airport operations, the RampCart can play a key part in environmental strategy – while saving operators maintenance, facility and fuel costs.”

In addition to its socially conscious advantages, Rampmaster’s latest hydrant cart solution brings several other operational and safety benefits. “By allowing an airport to reduce its stationary cart numbers, the RampCart can decrease concourse congestion by 66%,” Ward added. “It also eliminates hot engine mufflers and manifolds which can be fire hazards. The safety enhancements alone are revolutionary – and combined with the environmental benefits, the RampCart is truly a hydrant cart for the future.”

For those interested in learning more about Rampmaster’s green hydrant fueling solutions for the commercial concourse, visit www.rampmasters.com/green or contact Kevin Ward, Rampmaster Director of Marketing, at 800.344.4018.

For more information, please visit www.rampmasters.com.

Rampmaster Completes its 200th Modular Exchange for Signature Flight Support Through its On-Ramp Concierge Program

2011-08-16T00:00:00-04:00

COATESVILLE, PA – August 16, 2011 – Rampmaster, the premier manufacturer of aircraft refuelers for the worldwide commercial and general aviation markets and the first and only to offer modular refueling vehicle solutions, is celebrating the completion of its 200th Modular Exchange, which was made for Signature Flight Support, the largest fixed base operation FBO and distribution network for business aviation services. First introduced in 1979, Rampmaster’s revolutionary modular refueler design allows the tank and pumping module to be separated from the chassis within minutes, and provides operators a simple way to repair, upgrade or overhaul any module to regain like-new utility and more than double the life of their vehicle.

“We are so pleased to have completed our 200th Modular Exchange,” said Leighton Yohannan, Rampmaster co-CEO. “Rampmaster's patented modularity creates tremendous value and cash savings for our customers when compared to the cost of purchasing an entirely new vehicle.”

“The chassis power module contains 90% of the refueler’s wearable items, like the engine and transmission. At the end of 10 years, we can exchange the power module to restore the refueler to factory new specs and warranty while providing our customers with the same reliability and performance of a new refueler,” said Kevin Ward, Rampmaster Director of Sales and Marketing. “The pump and tank modules have been engineered for wear resistance, so by simply exchanging the power module we can guarantee that the refueler will pump with like-new utility for another 10 years at two thirds the cost of a full truck replacement.”

In a time when budgets and competition in the aviation market are tight, Rampmaster’s Modular Exchange offering was compelling to Signature Flight Support. “Many operators don’t see their refuelers as differentiators, but our Rampmaster fleet has given us a huge economic advantage,” said Ward. “We can keep Signature's vehicles pumping at the same level of performance for multiple lifecycles. That’s huge for them in terms of both efficiency and cost savings – downtime and maintenance costs are all but eliminated.”

Another efficiency advantage of Rampmaster’s Modular Exchange is the Concierge Exchange program, in which Rampmaster will complete the module exchange on a customer’s ramp. “We arrived and had a chassis replaced within minutes, right on site. This service allowed Siganture's vehicles to go back into service immediately,” said Ward.

It has been over 2 decades since Rampmaster completed its first Modular Exchange, and the manufacturer says its customers are continuing to see the value savings from finance and maintenance costs to efficiency ratings for gallons pumped. Added Ward, “This 200th exchange marks a big milestone of helping our customers gain a competitive advantage with Rampmaster’s modular refueler solutions – and our program will continue to help them realize the benefits for years to come.”

To promote the success of Rampmaster's Modular Exchange program, the 200th Modular Exchange will be on display at CYGNUS Aviation EXPO, March 7-9th, 2012 at Las Vegas Convention Center. Visit www.cygnusaviationexpo.com for full event information.

About Rampmaster

Rampmaster is the premier manufacturer of aircraft refueling solutions, known in both the commercial and general aviation markets for its technical innovation, quality production standards and superior customer service. Since its founding in 1968, Rampmaster has consistently delivered unprecedented product advancements that benefit customers’ airport operations through longer refueler life cycles, significant fuel and maintenance savings, lower EPA emissions and more. Today, Rampmaster is global in scope, but remains an innovative and exceptional family-owned U.S. manufacturer, well known for re-investing capital to advance the refueling industry by way of thought leadership and quality craftsmanship.

About Signature Flight Support

Signature Flight Support is the largest fixed base operation FBO and distribution network for business aviation services. Dedicated to providing business aviation crews and passengers with the very best service, facilities and locations, Signature offers the premier services and amenities that FBOs and their passengers require. Headquarters in Orlando, Florida, Siganture has built a strategic global network with more prime locations than any other FBO network.

Rampmaster’s Regenerator Electric Mobile Hydrant Cart Proves Successful in USAF Test Runs at McGuire Air Force Base

2010-01-06T00:00:00-05:00

COATESVILLE, PA – January 6, 2010 – Rampmaster, the premier manufacturer of aircraft refueling solutions for the worldwide commercial and general aviation markets, has teamed up with the United States Air Force to complete successful proving runs of its 100% electric, self-charging mobile hydrant cart, the Regenerator. Trialing the newest green innovation from Rampmaster over a 7 month period at the McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, the USAF has just released a final report on its findings, which concludes with a recommendation to supplement its AF fleets with the self-generating hydrant cart.

While stationary carts or engine-powered mobile carts have been the standard in military airline hydrant refueling for years, the carts are now aging and creating emissions and safety issues. To solve these problems and drastically cut the costs of hydrant refueling, Rampmaster developed the Regenerator, a 100% self-sustaining hydrant cart that is powered by the pressure of the hydrant system itself.

“The overall test of the Rampmaster Regenerator electric, self-charging, mobile hydrant cart at McGuire AFB went extremely well. During the duration of the test (Feb – Aug 2009), 87 LRS personnel were able to utilize the equipment to the fullest extent within designed parameters,” Bryan S. Creager, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF, explained in his report. “The Regenerator does an excellent job in keeping with AFI 23-302 which directs the conversion of 30 percent of the Air Force conventional fleet to more fuel efficient vehicles. The power recovery recharges five batteries used to power the cart, eliminating all dependence on fossil fuel.”

Another benefit discovered in the proving runs was the service relief provided to McGuire’s Refueling Maintenance shop. The only time the Regenerator was out of service for any length of time was when it was being showcased at a conference and during a USAF-requested additional switch installation. “The more fuel it delivers, the more energy it generates, enabling it to operate with zero downtime,” says Kevin Ward, Rampmaster’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “The USAF’s testing proves that the Regenerator is a legitimate solution to reduce an operations’ carbon footprint, fuel dependency and maintenance costs while increasing hydrant fueling efficiency.”

“The Rampmaster (Regenerator) was a success and the 87 LRS Fuels Management Team recommends it to supplement AF fleets,” Chief Master Sergeant Creager stated. “Overall, it was a great test and the people from Rampmaster bent over backwards to support. They quickly attacked any question or challenge and were always willing to do whatever it took to ensure a successful operation.

To read the USAF Regenerator report in its entirety, click here.

For those interested in learning more about Rampmaster’s green hydrant fueling solutions for the commercial concourse, such as the Regenerator, visit www.rampmasters.com/green or contact Kevin Ward, Rampmaster Director of Marketing, at 800.344.4018.

About Rampmaster

Leighton M. Yohannan Fully Assumes Rampmaster co-Chief Executive Officer Role

2012-02-07T00:00:00-05:00

Coatesville, PA – February 6, 2012 – Leighton “Lee” M. Yohannan has fully assumed his role as co-CEO of Rampmaster, the leading provider of aircraft refuelers to commercial airports and fixed base operators, after being appointed to the position in September 2011. Yohannan is currently director emeritus and founder of LiquidHub, a systems integrator and technology strategy consultancy. In addition he is Partner and Executive Chairman of PayCommerce, Inc. With Rampmaster, Yohannan is sharing the CEO’s office with Robert Watkins, Jr., who founded Rampmaster as General Transervice, Inc. in 1968.

“Bob has been an institution in the aviation industry for over four decades and his commitment to quality has made Rampmaster what it is today – the most well-regarded refueler manufacturer in the business,” said Yohannan. “It’s now my job to build upon the foundation that Bob and the Rampmaster team have created and continue to grow our business here in America and around the world.”

Yohannan will be overseeing many changes in the year ahead, including a new corporate website and strategic positioning, plans for expanded facilities, new product introductions and market expansion that continues to clearly define Rampmaster as the leading refueler vehicle for Commercial and General Aviation. However, Yohannan emphasizes that in the midst of these changes, customers can continue to count on Rampmaster for cutting edge technical innovation and superior customer service.

“There is a shared value system of integrity, quality and service across our entire organization that is crafted into everything we do,” said Yohannan. “No matter where our new ventures and growth opportunity lead us, they will always be built on these mentioned principles, ensuring a positive experience for customers, partners and employees.”

“After working behind the scenes for five months and becoming ingrained into the company, I’m surprised that Rampmaster has flown under the radar in the Philadelphia area for this long,” said Yohannan. “When you combine their patented technology, dominant market share and their team of great people, you get an organization that is poised to make a big impact on their industry and the local business landscape.”

Prior to Rampmaster and LiquidHub, Yohannan was the owner of The Reohr Group, Inc., a global technology consultancy firm. Prior to joining Reohr, he was an Investment Banking analyst for Hopper Soliday & Co. He is a Certified Public Accountant and the 2006 Ernst & Young Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.

About Rampmaster

Media Contact

Carla Nieser, Client Marketing Manager
Vovéo Marketing Group
610-240-0400, x 118
c.nieser@voveo.com

Rampmaster Executes Strategic Brand Repositioning to Strengthen its Stance as the Aircraft Refueling Leader in the Commercial and General Aviation Markets

2012-02-07T00:00:00-05:00

Coatesville, PA – February 6, 2012 – Rampmaster, the premier manufacturer of aircraft refuelers for the worldwide aviation market, has executed a brand refinement strategy to clearly position the company as the driving force for innovative refueling solutions in both the Commercial Aircraft and General Aviation markets. Rampmaster has long been recognized as the U.S. commercial airline refueling leader, successfully maintaining 80% market share in this segment for over two decades, and is looking to extend its leadership into the FBO market with a unique set of refueling solutions aimed at general aviation facilities.

The company developed its industry prominence by consistently delivering unprecedented vehicle advancements to its airline customers with large refueler solutions that yield longer lifecycles, significant fuel and maintenance savings, lower EPA emissions and more. Over the past several years Rampmaster has expanded its product line to include FBO refueling solutions, providing a significant opportunity to bring the same benefits associated with its commercial refueling innovations to general aviation customers.

“Our refueling vehicles are truly game-changing for FBOs,” said Leighton Yohannan, Rampmaster’s co-CEO. “We can bring them the same unprecedented savings that their commercial counterparts are enjoying with the same technical innovations we’ve deployed in our larger refuelers. In the past, FBOs thought Rampmasters were the refuelers they could never have, but it’s time to change that view and position ourselves as the optimal solution provider not only for commercial airlines, but for general aviation operations as well.”

Yohannan knew expanding Rampmaster’s positioning into the FBO market would be a huge undertaking in both strategy and branding, so he called upon Vovéo Marketing Group, a full-service agency located in Malvern, PA to help with the task. “When I first met the Rampmaster team, I was amazed at what a ‘hidden gem’ they were – such an accomplished and innovative company right around the corner from us in Coatesville,” said Mary Bea Damico, President of Vovéo. “Their history of achievement, vision, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit are so compelling, and we knew it was the perfect opportunity to pair our expertise in strategic brand positioning to really bring the Rampmaster story forward in support of their efforts to greatly expand their market reach.”

“Vovéo understood our vision, not just of where we want to be today but also of how we want to evolve as we continue our commitment to leading aviation refueling well into the future,” Yohannan added. “They were able to translate our goals into a succinct strategy, then implement it in a powerful way that strengthens and expands upon our message in both markets. We’re the leader in our industry, and now our brand really reflects this strength.” The repositioned brand was officially unveiled with Rampmaster’s new website, developed by Vovéo and launched on February 3rd. Rampmaster will continue to partner with Vovéo to bring its message of unparalleled technical innovation and quality to both the commercial and FBO markets. “In redefining our focus, we are very proud to say we have not swayed from our roots,” said Yohannan. “Our founder Robert Watkins, along with his two sons Owen and Dan, has always believed that our customers, coupled with succinctly communicating Rampmaster’s industry innovation within our marketplace, are our most valuable assets. We will continue to lead the way in the refueling industry by embracing our tenets of technical innovation, manufacturing of the highest quality, integrity and superior customer care.”

About Rampmaster

Rampmaster is the premier manufacturer of aircraft refueling solutions, known in both the commercial and general aviation markets for its technical innovation, quality production standards and superior customer service. Since its founding in 1968, Rampmaster has consistently delivered unprecedented product advancements that benefit customers’ airport operations through longer refueler lifecycles, significant fuel and maintenance savings, lower EPA emissions and more. Today, Rampmaster is global in scope, but remains an innovative and exceptional family-owned U.S. manufacturer, well known for re-investing capital to advance the refueling industry by way of thought leadership and quality craftsmanship.

About Vovéo Marketing Group

Vovéo Marketing Group is a full-service agency with a strong history, spanning more than 17 years, of providing a powerful blend of marketing strategy and planning and street-level execution. As a full-service agency, Vovéo provides end-to-end marketing services in-house, including strategy and branding, marketing communications, design, interactive development, mobile applications, web marketing, advertising and demand creation. With a unique ability to develop superior strategy and branding, and transform it into highly effective messaging, communications, visuals and ultimately tactics, Vovéo is proven at providing clients with the most return from their investments.

Vovéo is a Top 20 ranked Philadelphia Agency in the categories of: Woman-Owned Businesses, Web Design / Development, Advertising, and Graphic Design.

For more information, please visit www.voveo.com.

Media Contact

Carla Nieser, Client Marketing Manager
Vovéo Marketing Group
610-240-0400, x 118
c.nieser@voveo.com