News

Diversifying into truckstops

In a deal completed on 31st January, Mabanaft Ltd has acquired Avon Lodge, one of the UK’s top-tier independent truckstops.  The transaction highlights Mabanaft’s strategic commitment to developing a network of truckstops across the country, offering drivers and companies good-value, high-quality truckstops outside of those owned by the oil companies and large group networks.

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Mabanaft
(l-r) Brian York and Richard Ollis – former owners of Avon Lodge Truckstop, site manager Kate Williams and David Hatherell, general truckstop manager at Mabanaft

Supporting customers of Keyfuels, UK Fuels and Morgan Fuels, Avon Lodge is strategically important to the commercial fuel network. Located in the south west, in the established Avon dock area, it is 7.5 miles from Bristol city centre and approximately one mile from Junction 18 on the M5 Motorway. Avon Lodge offers outstanding facilities for driver welfare and vehicle security, including a truck wash, bunkered fuel and secure overnight parking for 65 HGVs, as well as showers, a café, lounge and shop.
The success of the facility is a credit to Brian York and Richard Ollis. Through their vision, industry knowledge and management skills, Avon Lodge has become a benchmark facility in the industry.
“Having built the business up from scratch over the past 31 years, it’s going to feel strange to walk away into retirement,” said Brian.
“Although very much larger than us, I’m confident that Mabanaft shares the same family values that are close to my heart. I’m sure that I’m leaving both staff and customers in good hands for the future.”
“Supporting the customers of fuel card companies remains a high priority for our business and we will continue to build on the great work undertaken by Brian and Richard,” said Mabanaft’s managing director, Martin Cook.
“We chose Avon Lodge because of its strong reputation and high standards. We plan to retain all staff and facilities.
“We’re excited to be diversifying into truckstops, starting with Junction 29 and now Avon Lodge. We intend to develop a portfolio of truckstops strategically located across the UK. This will strengthen our presence in the commercial fuel market and support the development of new non-fuel revenues such as parking, AdBlue, driver hospitality and truck wash. Driver and vehicle security will be a feature of our facilities, providing locations that are beneficial to removing commercial traffic from insecure layby and roadside parking, reducing congestion and theft.”
 “We’re proud to be helping owners bring some certainty to the future of their independent truckstops,” added Mabanaft’s business development manager, Peter McCarthy.
“Mabanaft is a family-owned business and we operate with the same care and ethos as many of the owners we’re in negotiations with. It is our aim to continue to provide the same high level of service and support to customers as they currently get.”