“Independent fuel retailers don’t want to invest in their own engineering department or facilities management so we provide that service,” says Ian Jacques, the recently appointed group commercial director at the Eurotank Service Group
On 1st August, Eurotank will move to a new group structure in response to changes in the fuel retailing industry and sustained growth outside of the company’s core business in tank maintenance.
“With oil companies divesting sites we needed a structure that allowed us to meet the needs of our growing independent dealer customer base,” said Edward Wheeler, group managing director of Eurotank Service Group.
Eurotank Environmental, Eurotank Systems, Eurotank Construction and Eurotank Ireland will then come under the umbrella company, Eurotank Service Group.
Eurotank Environmental will continue to operate within the core business of tank maintenance and specialist related services. Eurotank’s pump & payment system service division has been merged with Eurotank’s reactive maintenance & vapour recovery system service engineering team and will operate as Eurotank Systems. The construction and installation division now operates as Eurotank Construction, while Eurotank Ireland remains its own entity, providing all of the services offered across the group.
“It was critical to us that the independent retailers feel that they’re only dealing with one entity, which is Eurotank,” added Wheeler.
“One of our strengths as a business is that we’re a single point of contact for customers. A good example of this is with our pump service contracts, where we maintain pumps, install new pumps, carry out vapour recovery testing, repair manholes, clean tanks and generally maintain the forecourt for customers.
The restructure also sees the appointment of Ian Jacques as group commercial director. The former managing director of Scheidt & Bachmann UK has worked closely with Eurotank since 2012, following the formation of the Eurotank/S&B partnership, which saw Eurotank become the service and installation arm of S&B in the UK and Ireland.
Eurotank Systems is now the commercial agent and distributer for S&B’s range of dispensers and payment systems in the UK & Irish markets, as well as its field-based technician support.www.eurotank.eu.com
The Layer Marney Cup is an ideal event for Gulf to be associated with says Steve White, general manager for Gulf Oil
Next month, Gulf Oil will be supporting the historic Layer Marney Cup, a car fuel consumption trial first run 101 years ago in 1914.
“This is an ideal event for Gulf to be associated with,” said Steve White, general manager for Gulf Oil.
“This event – and the people and vehicles participating – truly reflects the Gulf strap line Quality, Endurance, Passion.”
An impressive selection of cars produced during the last century will take part in the competition on Sunday 16 August.
The first re-run of a unique event which took place during the dawn of motoring will see the cars drive through the Stow Maries Aerodrome – the UK’s only First World War airport still in use. With some WW1 aircraft based there, the airport has recently been recreated to look as it would have done during the war and, if the weather is kind that day, spectators may also witness some aircraft practising their displays.
At the Gulf branded forecourt McCreadies of Layer Marney tanks will be unsealed and checked for fuel consumption.
“The event will be a visual delight for spectators, whether car enthusiasts or not,” said Sheila Charrington from Layer Marney Tower.
“For the younger generation it will be a real eye opener and a lesson in history. The world of fuel and motor racing has changed exponentially in the last 100 years, which will be demonstrated through the classes taking part in the competition.”
For more information contact Sheila Charrington on Sheila@layermarneytower.co.uk.www.gulfoil.co.uk
New owners TCB are looking forward to further developing the Disc-Lock business
The European distributor of the Disc-Lock safety wheel nut, Disc-Lock Europe has been acquired by UK owned Tension Control Bolts.
Wrexham-based Tension Control Bolts (TCB) manufactures and distributes high strength, bolted systems for applications world wide.
From bridge splice plates to beam-to-column connections and stadia roof trusses to rail switches and crossings, the projects of this fast growing company have included the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the Shard of Glass in London, Heathrow Airport – Terminal Five, the main stadia for the London 2012 Olympics and Paddington Station, London.
On 1st July, TCB senior sales engineer Gary Mason assumed the day-to-day running of Disc-Lock Europe from TCB House in Wrexham.
Bob Hope, chairman of Disc-Lock Europe said: “After 28 years, I’m delighted to be stepping down as chairman and handing the reins to TCB, a world leader in the field of bolted systems. As Disc-Lock Europe will continue to operate in its own right as a company, existing customers will not encounter any disruption to the normal service. Indeed, I will continue to be involved for the foreseeable future to ensure a smooth transfer of responsibilities.”
Tim Stokes, TCB managing director added: “We’re very pleased to have acquired Disc-Lock Europe. Its range of Disc-Lock washers, nuts and wheel nuts provide a perfect match with our own existing product range.” www.tcbolts.com
The AGA portfolio includes AGA, Rangemaster, Mercury, Falcon, Marvel, Stanley and La Cornue. Headquartered in Leamington Spa, AGA has approximately $400 million in annual revenues and more than 2,500 employees worldwide
Subject to the approval of its shareholders the AGA Rangemaster Group is to be acquired by the US Middleby Corporation for £129.2 million.
Once the deal is completed later this year, the US firm has said it would carry out a strategic review of operations but was planning to keep AGA’s manufacturing in the UK.
“The addition of AGA’s world class brands, product range and manufacturing capability to our existing portfolio will further strengthen Middleby’s global reach and enhance our position as a leader in the premium segment for residential kitchen equipment,” said Middleby’s chairman and CEO Selim A. Bassoul.
“We believe this transaction will provide meaningful synergies as we build upon the combined strengths of both Middleby and AGA. We will leverage the existing sales, service and manufacturing capabilities of AGA with the Middleby market expertise, product innovation and well established global distribution network.”
Last year, AGA announced a fall in profits mainly because of pension costs, shop closures and site rationalisation, although revenues rose. Middleby will finance the transaction under its current $1.0 billion revolving credit facility. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.www.agarangemaster.comwww.middleby.com
Heating industry professionals favour ‘a more gradual stepped approach to low carbon heating which would be far more palatable for consumers’ says Jeremy Hawksley
According to the results of a poll held at OFTEC’s annual conference last month, over three-quarters of those questioned were looking towards hybrid heating systems, with oil working in tandem with renewable technologies.
A further 16% said a shift to bio-liquid fuels such as OFTEC’s B30K, a blend of 30% FAME and 70% kerosene, would be a likely move.
Almost three quarters of the heating industry professionals who attended also think the government’s 2050 Heat Strategy is unrealistic.
The survey of more than 50 industry leaders, manufacturers and technicians found that 70% felt DECC’s Heat Strategy, published earlier this year, would result in less than half of the UK domestic heating market coming from renewable sources by 2050. It will also fall far short of its target to achieve an 80% reduction in UK carbon emissions from 1990 levels by 2050.
A further 67% of those polled said the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme in its current form is the wrong vehicle to move UK homes to renewable heat. An overwhelming 98% also said heat pumps were not a realistic alternative to oil-fired boilers for retrofit properties without significant – and costly – upgrades to insulation and controls.
Commenting on the results, OFTEC director general Jeremy Hawksley said: “Cynically you could say that an audience with a keen interest in oil would take the opportunity to knock the government’s Heat Strategy and renewable technologies.
“However, OFTEC members fully support the UK’s transition to low carbon heat and recognise the increasing role domestic renewable heating technologies will play in the longer term. That’s why OFTEC has launched registrations and MCS certification for heat pumps and solar thermal systems, with biomass to follow later this year.
OFTEC has again called for a more pragmatic approach and continues to lobby for an alternative approach, including a simple boiler scrappage scheme. With sales of new oil condensing boilers so far this year up 9% on 2014 levels, there is clearly a strong demand and an opportunity to make considerable carbon savings.
Heating industry professionals favour ‘a more gradual stepped approach to low carbon heating which would be far more palatable for consumers’ says Jeremy Hawksley with hybrid systems and bio-fuels representing a more affordable, half-way house solution for many.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service is still investigating the cause of the oil tank fire which caused extensive damage to three housesPic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
Following a serious oil tank fire that caused extensive damage to three houses in Dunmurry, just outside Belfast, OFTEC is asking is it time Northern Ireland had a competent persons scheme similar to that currently operating in England and Wales?
Reported in the July issue of Fuel Oil News (pages 4 and 21), the fire is believed to have started in a shed before spreading to an oil tank which ruptured, setting fire to other oil tanks in the near vicinity.
Meanwhile, OFTEC is calling on the Northern Ireland government to introduce mandatory registration for all oil and boiler installers, following the example of the competent persons scheme in England and Wales. This will give householders more security, knowing that their appliances and oil tanks have been installed by a qualified person and they meet building control regulations.
David Blevings, OFTEC said: “Oil tank fires have the potential to be extremely dangerous and, as sadly highlighted in this case, to substantially damage properties. We know that oil is a very safe fuel if stored correctly and the best way to protect yourself and others is to make sure your oil tank and any fuel burning appliances are installed correctly, and inspected and serviced by an OFTEC registered technician at least once a year.”
“OFTEC is reminding householders that registered technicians will check all oil appliances and oil tanks during annual boiler service visits to minimise the risk of such incidents. All tanks should be checked and advice given on how to comply with current building regulations in terms of fire safety and environmental protection. OFTEC technicians are reminded that if the recommended separation distances cannot be met, you can advise consumers to place a fire safety panel(s) that provide a minimum 30-minute fire-resistant wall which extends at least 300mm above and beyond the ends of an oil tank.”www.oftec.org.ukwww.nifrs.org
Europe’s biggest ethane tank – INEOS has also built two brand new import terminals to receive the gas, one at Grangemouth and the other at Rafnes in Norway
Earlier this month a 330 tonne roof was placed on Europe’s biggest ethane tank. The move means that INEOS is on schedule for the first US ethane to arrive in Grangemouth during the second half of 2016.
The £450m investment into the ethane project represents part of a rescue package for Grangemouth. Part of a $1 billion dollar global project, spanning China, the US and Europe – all to bring ethane to Grangemouth and Norway – it will transform the Grangemouth petrochemicals business and provide a secure supply of essential ethane for the next 15 years.
In a remarkable feat of engineering, the 330 tonne roof was floated up almost 150 feet on nothing more than a cushion of air. The tank, which is 56 metres in diameter and 44 metres high, is designed to hold over 60,000 cubic metres of ethane brought from the US to replace declining North Sea supply.
“This is an important day for Grangemouth. It takes us one step nearer our goal of importing US ethane to Scotland and putting Grangemouth back into the premier league of petrochemical plants,” said INEOS O&P UK’s chief executive John McNally.
The project will transform Grangemouth overnight and will allow its manufacturing assets to once more compete globally, providing raw materials for thousands of manufacturing businesses across the UK and Europe.
The building of Europe’s largest ethane storage tank is just part of INEOS’ $1 billion global project to get US shale gas to Europe. The company, which has contracts to access a 100-mile pipeline from the Marcellus Shale in western Pennsylvania to the Marcus Hook gas terminal close to Philadelphia, has commissioned eight huge Dragon class ships to carry the liquefied shale gas ethane from the US to Europe.www.ineos.com
Greg Lofts – “a supply chain specialist whose consultative approach supports Suttons’ ability to provide customers with the service that is right for them and their business”
Greg Lofts has been appointed business development director at Suttons Tankers, as the company looks to further strengthen its UK leadership team and expand the products and services it provides to customers.
Greg joins Suttons with an impressive track record in business development and account management, most recently at Wincanton.
His remit includes the strategic development of the division’s new business opportunities and existing accounts in the bulk chemicals, gases, fuels and food sectors, with a focus on relationship management and customer service.
“Greg’s experience and proven ability to lead teams and deliver solutions tailored to individual customers, rather than applying a one size fits all model, is key to the development of our business and an ideal fit with Suttons,” said Michael Cundy, managing director, Suttons Tankers.
“He’s a supply chain specialist whose consultative approach supports Suttons’ ability to provide customers with the service that is right for them and their business.”
“Suttons is an ambitious business with a dynamic leadership team who I have admired for a long time,” said Greg. “They have a rich history and continue to move forward at great pace.”
“In addition to focusing on both new and existing customers and their requirements, I will work closely with our highly experienced and dedicated teams to deliver value adding innovative world class solutions.”
“It is this commitment which will further cement our position as industry leaders in specialist bulk logistics and supply chain services.”www.suttonsgroup.com
Iain Duncan, general manager at Scania Inverness with Nicola Clase, Sweden’s ambassador to the UK and Claes Jacobsson, managing director Scania GB
Following an 18-month development project, Scania has opened a new £3m state of the art premises at Bridge Point in Inverness.
Scania Inverness, which is ADR-ready, plans to include the addition of tank testing and Petroleum Regulations work in order to serve the local fuel supply industry.
The 1.8 acre site with a high security, CCTV-monitored truck parking area offers two full length pits, an DVSA Authorised Test Facility with brake tester, beam setter and shaker plate, a rolling road, tachograph bay and steam cleaning equipment. The workshop provides extended opening hours and a fully stocked parts department provides components for all makes of trucks and related equipment, including trailers, tail-lifts and refrigerators. In total, £400,000 of the £3m Scania Inverness investment has been channelled into workshop equipment and special tooling.
In addition to new vehicle sales, the branch offers used truck sales and a full vehicle rental service through Scania Truck Rental.
“The staff we have at Scania Inverness are very much our most important asset,” says Sandy Millar, regional executive director for Scania Scotland. “Compliance is a key issue for operators today, and the complexity of modern vehicles mean that only technicians with the very best training and access to the latest advanced diagnostic and maintenance technology are capable of reliably carrying out work to the standards required by legislation.”
“As home to a wide and diverse range of transport operations, and with many local operators traditionally favouring the Scania marque, the Inverness area has long been an important location for us,” comments Claes Jacobsson, managing director of Scania (Great Britain) Limited. www.scania.co.uk
The Falkirk team, which is named after the silverback gorilla, hopes the connection with such a powerful species will resonate in their performance during the coming season
Brogan Fuels has agreed a two-year sponsorship deal with the Falkirk Silverbacks Australian Rules football team “It’s important that we support clubs in the area where we work, which we try to do where we can,” said Brogan Fuels general manager Gerry Paice.
