Driving Innovation in Gas Logistics: A Conversation with Matthew Walton

Join Matthew Walton, Commercial Manager (Gas) at Suttons International, as he shares his career journey from a member of the Technical Services team to his current leadership role. In this Q&A, Matthew offers valuable insights into the challenges and innovations shaping the gas logistics industry and discusses how Suttons is continuously evolving to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and sustainability-focused market.

Can you tell us about your career journey and what led you to become Commercial Manager (Gas) at Suttons International?

My career journey has been shaped by a strong foundation in both engineering and business, which allowed me to navigate the complex technical and commercial aspects of my role.

I began my journey with the business as part of the Technical Services team, where my degree in Mechanical Engineering provided a solid foundation for the role. A key responsibility was leading tank procurement projects, which included specifying new build equipment for both internal use and customer projects. Through successfully managing several customer new build projects for gas tanks, I came to understand that achieving success in this area requires not only technical expertise but also a strong grasp of market dynamics, financial planning, and commercial negotiation skills.

After a number of years within this function, becoming ‘Commercial Manager (Gas)’ was a natural step in my journey. The role allows me to integrate both my technical knowledge and the strategic acumen I had developed since joining the business.

What do you enjoy most about your role, and what motivates you in this industry?

My role is both challenging and rewarding, but the versatility of the role is what I enjoy most.
What motivates me is learning about customer needs and how Suttons can contribute to making their businesses a success by moving products from A-to-B safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

Many products that we move are what we call “Life’s Essentials” – products that have purposes in a number of different sectors, from pharmaceuticals to manufacturing through to retail. Understanding the ultimate outcome of the service we provide helps clarify the importance of Suttons’ purpose and gives me great pride in our role in the supply chain.

What skills or experiences have been most valuable in helping you succeed in your role?

Having a technical background has been invaluable in my role, enabling me to assist customers with technical queries and gain a deeper understanding of their specific requirements.

Additionally, stakeholder management and interpersonal skills have been crucial to my success. Logistics often involves unexpected challenges, so effectively managing stakeholders’ expectations is essential. Building strong relationships with customers, partners, and suppliers has allowed me to drive efficiencies, provide exceptional technical support, and deliver outstanding customer service.

What are the key challenges in gas logistics, and how do you and Suttons International work to overcome them?

Transporting products in tank containers requires strict compliance with safety regulations, especially for Class 2 (Gas) products, which present unique challenges compared to liquids. Due to the perceived higher risk of gas tank failure, many handling facilities are reluctant to accept them. This demands greater flexibility and minimised transit times.

Suttons also prioritises managing the risk of contamination, ensuring tanks are meticulously cleaned and precautions are taken during loading and unloading. Contamination could compromise the purity of the gases, posing significant issues for customers. Our extensive experience in gas logistics allows us to overcome these challenges effectively and deliver safe, reliable solutions.

How do you see the industry evolving in terms of safety, technology, and sustainability?

Safety in logistics will always be a very high priority. We can never be safe enough when dealing with hazardous products. Development and improvements in safety standards will always be a priority at Suttons International and the wider industry. ‘Safety First’ is one of our core values and remains central to everything we do, supported by a continuous improvement ethos.

The industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability and its impact on the environment, and Suttons International has updated its sustainability strategy to address these priorities. Our new sustainability plan outlines clear steps for reducing our carbon footprint and promoting responsible logistics across the supply chain.

One aspect I find particularly exciting is the lifespan of our fleet of tank containers. Previously, a tank container’s lifespan was around 10–15 years, but with proper management, this has now increased to an average of 20+ years. Advances in product awareness, improvements in the product approval process, and the availability of various linings to protect the shell integrity of our fleet have all contributed to this significant development. These innovations enable our tank containers to operate safely and sustainably for decades.

How does Suttons ensure the safe and efficient transportation of compressed gases globally?

Suttons ensures all tanks in our fleet comply with rigorous inspection and maintenance schedules, as well as international standards. We work closely with customers to optimise routes and services, ensuring safe, timely, and compliant global deliveries.

We regularly audit third-party hauliers and depots to maintain high safety and compliance standards. In the rare event of an incident, Suttons has robust response measures in place to minimise impact and implement lessons learned.

Additionally, in certain regions, we provide training to our drivers on the safe handling and discharge of compressed gases, further ensuring operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

If you had to highlight one recent success you had professionally, what would it be?

Within my first 12 months in this role, I have gained extensive knowledge and successfully integrated into this dynamic part of the business. I am proud of the close collaboration with the Operations team, whose exceptional customer focus ensures the success of our gas logistics operations. Their dedication to meeting customer needs has been invaluable and reflects Suttons’ commitment to excellence and delivering life’s essentials safely and sustainably.

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