John Ray & Sons: First in NYS to Offer Biodiesel Fuel to Retail Consumers
Monday, June 5, 2006 – John Ray & Sons has become the first company in New York State to offer biodiesel fuel to retail customers at his fuel station in downtown Troy. Formerly offering only bulk delivery, the company now has a dedicated pump that dispenses directly into customers’ vehicles at the street level. Biodiesel fuel is a blended, environmentally friendly fuel made with soybeans.
Ken Ray, President of John Ray & Sons, said, “Many people are looking for renewable fuel options with environmental benefits and biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic. It also reduces carbon dioxide and eliminates sulfur emissions.”
Biodiesel fuel is one of the most thoroughly tested alternative fuels on the market and has completed rigorous Health Effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. A major advantage of biodiesel is that it is a processed fuel that can be used in existing engines with little impact to operating performance.
Ken Ray describes the company as a leader in the “energy evolution.” Established in 1904 as an ice delivery service, John Ray & Sons has adapted through the years as times changed – delivering ice, coal, wood, kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil and propane to residential and commercial customers throughout the Capital District.
With an increasing interest among consumers for alternative fuels, this is a natural extension to John Ray’s line of services. The company has grown to become one of the largest fuel suppliers in Upstate New York.
About John Ray & Sons:
One of the Capital District’s oldest fuel suppliers, John Ray & Sons continually expands its services to meet new challenges. The company embraces new technologies, installing a Global Positioning System (GPS) on its fleet of fuel and service vehicles for faster, more efficient customer response and using text messaging technology to get essential information to drivers so that they may better serve customers.
For residential customers, the company provides a guaranteed supply of high-quality propane and home heating oil, and a wealth of services including expert technicians, 24-hour emergency service, installation and repair of heating and cooling systems and furnace inspections. The RayComfortZONE Heating & Air Systems are custom-designed home comfort systems using state-of-the-art engineering.
The company’s commercial client base includes construction companies, marinas, agricultural businesses, and trucking fleets.
“My grandfather, John Ray, founded the company. He always said, ‘If you give people good service, they’re going to stay with you,’ and we continue every day to operate with this as our guiding principle,” Ken Ray said.
For additional information about John Ray & Sons, call 518-272-4432 or visit the website, www.johnray.com.