Future-Proofing the Forecourt: How Evans Petroleum Keeps Its Edge with Dover Fueling Solutions

In an environment where service station operators face constant regulatory changes, rising operational costs, and evolving customer expectations, staying ahead of the curve requires more than just persistence; it demands reliable equipment and trusted partnerships. For Stuart Evans, Director at Evans Petroleum, that partner is Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS).

Based in Gippsland, Victoria, Evans Petroleum operates multiple retail and wholesale fuel sites across the region. With more than 50 years in the industry, Stuart has seen it all from shifts in staffing expectations to the complex taxation burden and competition pressures. But amid all the changes, one constant remains: the need for clean, modern, and dependable infrastructure.

“It feels like every month there’s a new challenge: taxes, rules, staffing issues. Just when you get on top of something, the next thing comes up,” Stuart explains. “Having reliable equipment makes a big difference. It’s one less thing to worry about.”

The Challenge: Ageing Infrastructure and Customer Perception

Like many independent fuel retailers, Evans Petroleum faced the slow ageing of older pumps, including some that had been in service for decades. Despite their reliability, the visual wear and outdated presentation risked sending the wrong message to customers.

“We had a few pumps that were 30 or 35 years old. They still worked fine, but customers see a bit of rust or corrosion and start wondering about the quality of fuel or what’s happening underground,” says Stuart. “Even if everything’s running perfectly, perception is everything.”

With growing investment in new-build service stations and competitor sites lifting their standards, Stuart recognised it was time to refresh and modernise key locations.

The Solution: Upgrading to Wayne Dispensers

Over the past few years, Evans Petroleum has progressively upgraded dispensers across more than a dozen of their sites, turning to DFS and their Wayne® range of multiproduct pumps.

“We’ve bought a lot of pumps over the years, but we’ve been moving more and more to the Wayne range,” says Stuart. “They look great, they’re reliable, and they give that modern image that customers expect now.”

Designed for durability, accuracy, and ease of use, the Wayne dispensers deliver consistent performance while enhancing the look and feel of each site. As Stuart notes, aesthetics are just as important as performance.

“You want the site to look sharp. Clean tanks, clean trucks, good looking pumps, it all adds to the customer’s confidence in your fuel and your business.”

The investment has helped Evans Petroleum maintain a professional edge, particularly in regional areas where customer loyalty often hinges on trust and presentation.

Operational Impact: Reliability, Support, and Efficiency

Stuart is quick to point out that the benefits of working with DFS go beyond the hardware. The service, communication, and reliability of the supply chain have made a big difference, especially when juggling the complexities of site upgrades.

“We’ve found DFS great to deal with. Paula’s (Paula Correa, DFS ANZ Director) been really responsive, gets back to us straight away, lets us know exactly what to expect with lead times and delivery. That sort of service is really valuable when you’ve got contractors and timelines to manage.”

Although most of the company’s installation work is contracted out, coordination and support from DFS have ensured the rollout of new pumps runs smoothly. And once installed, the Wayne dispensers have proven robust and dependable.

“They just work. We haven’t had any issues with them breaking down, and they’ve held up well in busy sites. That reliability is important when you’re running multiple locations.”

Even with the occasional mishap like customers backing into new pumps within weeks of installation, Stuart sees the upgrades as a worthwhile long-term investment.

Meeting Today’s Expectations and Tomorrow’s Demands

Stuart has noticed how customer behaviour has changed over time, with modern expectations for speed and convenience. Customers now want to pull in, fill up, and be on their way with no delays and no uncertainty.

“People won’t wait around. If they can’t get fuel quickly or the site doesn’t look right, they’ll drive out and go somewhere else,” he explains. “That’s why having modern pumps with multiple hoses and all fuel grades ready to go is so important.”

By upgrading to Wayne dispensers, Evans Petroleum is able to provide that seamless experience. Most sites are now fitted with multi-hose dispensers, offering up to four products in one unit, minimising congestion and improving customer flow.

Looking Ahead: Focus on Core Business and Steady Growth

When it comes to future plans, Stuart says the company’s focus is on doing what they do best, running a quality operation and continually improving their network. While new acquisitions are considered if the right opportunity arises, the priority remains on maintaining high standards across existing sites.

“We don’t go chasing every opportunity. If something aligns with our location and model, we examine it. But for now, it’s about staying focused on what we’ve got and doing it really well.”

That includes planning for further site upgrades as needed, with DFS remaining a key supplier and partner.

“We’ve upgraded a fair few sites now, but we’ll keep going as needed. It’s not just about the pumps, it’s about keeping everything looking and working right. DFS helps us do that.”

Final Word

In an industry full of moving parts, the relationship between Evans Petroleum and DFS stands as a practical example of how the right equipment, backed by solid technology, service and support, can make all the difference.

“There’s always going to be challenges in this business,” Stuart says. “But having dependable partners like DFS gives you one less thing to worry about.”