An independent distributor, Kettlewell Fuels has been on the road since 1987, delivering domestic heating oil, agricultural gas oil and commercial DERV to homes, farms and businesses across North Yorkshire. With highly trained drivers, a flexible fleet and local knowledge, Kettlewell Fuels is trusted throughout its community to deliver the right solution for its customers.
Investing for the future
Janet Kettlewell, co-owner and director at Kettlewell Fuels said: “The impact of climate change and the need for us all to be mindful of the environment is clear. As well as fulfilling our customers’ changing requirements, we are investing in transport solutions that will enable us to deliver traditional fuel types and new products such as biodiesel and HVO. As part of our forward planning, innovation within the rigid tanker market is of interest. We added two new vehicles to our fleet, which will ensure we can deliver multiple fuel grades to a wide range of customers.”
Across the industry distributors and other services are working towards the introduction of a new fuel type during 2022; however, this is subject to completion of successful trials and obtaining government approval for use of HVO as a heating fuel.
Kettlewell Fuels commissioned COBO to build two tankers. These ‘baby-tankers’ have a larger capacity and are able to take 9,300 litres compared with the company’s other four-wheelers.
Latest build and metering technology
COBO incorporates technology that allows all its pipes to be developed without the need for welded joints, neither in elbows, nor in clamping flanges to the valve. This innovative system achieves the total elimination of stresses and fatigue typical of welded joints. It also reduces discharge time due to the elimination of the typical interior clearances of the welds and eases the assembly and disassembly of pipes during maintenance and inspection work.
Janet commented: “Our new vehicles deliver market-leading efficiency, giving us even more versatility within our already flexible fleet. We also like to ensure our drivers are looked after in terms of comfort. I’m pleased to say we’ve had some great feedback from them – apparently the new tankers are comfortable and nice to drive too.”
As a longstanding customer of MechTronic’s, Kettlewell Fuels uses the company’s technology across its fleet, already running the OptiMate electronic metering system. The range of automatic processes available is reducing delivery times and preventing fuel contaminations as a result.
“As we prepare for the new fuels,” stated Janet, “We know that the OptiMate system can accommodate all fuel types. OptiMate supports and automatically performs a line change during the fuel delivery process. It removes the need for the driver to calculate a line change manually, which is particularly beneficial when carrying mixed fuel loads. Drivers can continue with their deliveries safe in the knowledge that they are supplying clean fuel to customers.”
Kettlewell Fuels also uses the ProControl 3 remote, which ensures that drivers can remain at the point of delivery throughout the entire process. They can remotely turn the cab engine off and although minimal, wider environmental impacts can also be achieved.
Janet concludes: “As an independent business, we pride ourselves on reliability and supporting our domestic, agricultural and commercial customers across our region. It is essential that the equipment we purchase is reliable and efficient – we feel that adding this build to our fleet provides this.”
Could you take the title of Tanker of the Year 2022?
With the announcement of Kettlewell Fuels as the winner of the 2021 Tanker of the Year award, for its future-ready new vehicles, manufactured by COBO, the competition opens to find the 2022 winner!
Fuel Oil News now looks forward to receiving your entries for the 2022 Tanker of the Year award.
With entries accepted until 31st October 2022, there is plenty of opportunity to enter a new tanker which you believe gives that added extra to your business.
Please send details of the tanker together with a photograph to claudia@fuelollnews.co.uk, and we could be adding your company’s name to the 19 previous winners.
