Will Wood (south/south east), Richard Griffiths (north/north west) and Martin Adam (south/south west) Over the past 9 years, MechTronic has prided itself on providing a high quality customer service.  The company now has eight regionally deployed service engineers with fully stocked vans covering the whole of the 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

Easy to fit and install – user friendly equipment from Emco Wheaton with Euro 6 compatibility The implications of Euro 6 regulations on the road tanker industry have presented many challenges for fleet operators. With additional space required for the Euro 6 exhaust gas system and AdBlue tanks, the implications are not just in terms of the increased vehicle/equipment costs and the impact on payload but also the increased maintenance due to emission diagnostics says Emco Wheaton. Through technological innovation, Emco Wheaton has made design improvements to tanker truck equipment that better suit the needs of vehicles with Euro 6 engines which in the long term, will have a positive impact on the bottom line.A re-engineered electronic pumping system In the re-design of a re-engineered electronic pump metering system, Emco Wheaton has not only made this equipment more user friendly but also ensured that its cabinet design consolidates a range of equipment in one lightweight, compact cabinet.  Easy to fit and install, the M535 series brings the units down in size, so it can be easily accommodated on a truck chassis where space is now a premium.Bulk fluids transportation In the bulk fluids transportation market, Emco Wheaton engineers have met the space restriction challenge brought about by Euro 6.  By streamlining and making their tank truck equipment more compact and lightweight, Emco Wheaton has ensured that payload capacity is not compromised by the addition of the emissions equipment.www.emcowheaton.com

“Kinesis perfectly complements our existing fuel card offering and adds another tool to help customers manage their fleets more effectively no matter how many vehicles they operate,” says UK Fuels chief executive, Bill Holmes Fuel card provider UK Fuels has boosted its offering to customers with the launch of Kinesis – a fully integrated telematics/fuel card management product with an ‘accessible price point’. Channelling telematics data on driver and vehicle performance alongside fuel card usage information, Kinesis will provide fleet owners and managers with some of the most accurate MPG reporting available on the market. Research conducted with over 4,500 fuel card customers found 8 in 10 (83.5%) cited cost as a major barrier to implementing telematics across their fleet. Although, over half have considered putting the technology in place to save fuel (57.64%), improve driver behaviour (66.67%) and enhance business productivity (65.97%). Further customer consultation revealed a need for an integrated telematics system at a price point accessible to SMEs and businesses operating fleets as small as two or three vehicles. UK Fuels chief executive and founder Bill Holmes commented: “Although use of telematics is becoming more and more widespread, there still seems to be a misconception that it’s only affordable for large fleets and businesses. Kinesis has been designed and developed to provide a cost-effective and streamlined system that will provide users with a host of benefits whilst saving time and reducing admin. “Telematics data will be channelled through our existing Velocity online account management system and updated alongside fuel card data in real time so customers can log in and view up to the minute fleet activity from one central platform. “Kinesis perfectly complements our existing fuel card offering and adds another tool to help customers manage their fleets more effectively no matter how many vehicles they operate.”  www.kinesisfleet.comUK Fuels is part of Radius Payment Solutions Ltd, one of Europe’s leading fuel card management companies.  Radius was established over 25 years ago and now has over 600 people located in 17 offices across Europe. Radius issues over one million cards per year and manages over 2.7 billion litres of fuel annually.

Total’s new facilities significantly add to the company’s existing capabilities for both lubricants formulation and testing Earlier this month Total Lubmarine opened new laboratory facilities near Lyon in France.  The new facilities are dedicated to the research and formulation of new marine lubricants. Equipped with state of the art equipment to support the research team’s quest to develop the next generation of lubes for the shipping sector, the move comes against a backdrop of changing ECA regulations and the development of marine engines with several operating modes, capable of burning two types of fuel. The lubes required to keep these engines running are more complex than ever before and the new facilities will enable Total Lubmarine researchers to develop a new range of lubricants suitable for the challenges of the next 10 years. “We are re-imagining the lubes of today,” said Norbert Schieren, general manager of Total Lubmarine.  “We are developing lubes suitable for the stresses and strains of the marine environment: whatever the fuel and whatever the engine. “We strongly believe that innovative, research-based chemistry is the key to creating adaptable lubricants. The next generation of lubricants must be born out of innovative chemistry if they are to be simple for operators to use and at the same time match tough and variable operating conditions.” The spacious new facilities include engine testing and tribology equipment, along with significant analytical resources. All existing test beds have been extensively re-built and modernised and meet the most stringent safety and quality regulations.www.lubmarine.com/en/products-lubmarine.html

High accuracy electronic gauging provides instant information on fuel stock levels, remaining tank capacity and ullage Cameron Forecourt has supplied a new centralised fuelling system to significantly overhaul all aspects of one client’s fuelling operations. The new system has amalgamated three separate fuelling sites, operated by waste management and recycling specialist, Chambers Waste Group where existing Optima PC units have been upgraded to the Jigsaw Eclipse fuel management system to allow complete, real time management and monitoring of fuel supplies. Three OLE tank gauge systems have also been installed. High accuracy electronic gauging provides instant information on fuel stock levels, remaining tank capacity and ullage. Fuel drawings monitored by the Eclipse system can then be reconciled against fuelling from the tanks. Chambers Waste, which operates a fleet of 55 operational vehicles, spends in excess of £1 million per annum on fuel. Cameron Forecourt sales and marketing director Martyn Gent: “We’ve implemented a system at Chambers Waste which brings together what were three separate sites. Fuelling can take place at any time of day or night. The integrated package allows the customer to keep a constant check on fuel movements, stock levels, and consumption, providing complete and accurate wetstock reconciliation around the clock.” www.cameron-forecourt.co.uk

Durapipe UK is expanding PLX, its specialist fuel conveyance pipework system, with the launch of PLX Blue, a plastic pipework system specifically designed to transport AdBlue/DEF in refuelling applications.

Specialist water separation services from Simon Storage Simon Storage has successfully provided specialist storage and water separation services at its Immingham East Terminal on behalf of Hydrodec (UK) Ltd. The contract with Hydrodec, which trades as the OSS Group in the UK, involved around 11,000 tonnes of saline water containing oil residues from shipping operations. Having already undergone an initial oil skimming process, the product was re-sampled by Simon on arrival at the terminal to ensure it satisfied the adequate specification for water separation and disposal via Simon’s on-site water treatment facilities. Received by sea into the terminal, the “ship slops” were stored in a number of specially configured tanks totalling nearly 20,000m3. After a settling period to allow for natural in-tank separation of oil and water, the water was drawn off for disposal through Simon’s water treatment facilities. Oil residues left in the tank were collected by OSS, using vacuum tankers, for recycling at its Stourport-on-Severn processing plant. Simon’s Immingham East Terminal is permitted to carry out water separation activities and recovery of separated hazardous and non-hazardous waste products from industry and commerce. Simon’s investment in its own water treatment plant at the terminal provides the capability for disposal of separated waste water derived from a wide range of permitted EWC (European Waste Catalogue) codes. In the face of finite global oil supplies, the market for collecting and recycling waste oil from sources such as the maritime and automotive industries is growing, explains Rachel Lewin, marketing executive at Simon Storage. “This rapidly developing market is increasing requirements for suitable storage, treatment and disposal in the UK and mainland Europe,” she says.www.SimonStorage.com

Filtertechnik has launched Filtasorb 2 which, says the company, can hold twice the volume of water than the previous version and three times as much as its nearest competitor. Nottingham-based Filtertechnik, specialists in filtration technology and clean-up systems for fuel, biodiesel, oil, and process fluids, claims that Filtasorb 2 gives “unrivalled performance” even at low flow rates of 200 litres per minute. The filter media has been developed by the company in the UK where it is also manufactured. “In recent trials Filtasorb 2 set a new benchmark in the removal of water through absorption,” says Filtertechnik. “It’s highly effective, even in a single pass through the media, at low and high flow rates. Using diesel at a flow rate of 150 l/min Filtasorb 2 removed 6kg of free and absorbed water per minute bringing the water content to under 100ppm in a single pass from an initial level of over 44,000ppm.” www.filtertechnik.co.uk

The Oil Market Journal (OMJ) has expanded rapidly from its origins in 1999 when its aim was to provide large volume oil buyers with reliable Rotterdam spot market trading assessments. Today it offers a broad range of oil and foreign exchange prices, news and analysis via a plethora of innovative systems. Fuel Oil News readers are now invited to experience OMJ for themselves with a special FREE trial offer. OMJ is managed by a team of experienced oil and technology professionals and has a proven track record in combining accurate market analysis with reliable intraday price assessments and cutting edge technologies. It is a Platts licensed distributor for UKI, a Dow Jones partner, and a licensed vendor of Financial Times forex prices and ICE Futures Europe oil prices. Key services include real time intraday prices for Rotterdam cargoes of refined products, live and delayed London and New York futures prices, closing Platts prices in a range of currency/units, along with live and settlement foreign exchange prices. OMJ also provides focused news, comment and analysis on what is driving prices and moving markets along with 24 hour Dow Jones energy news. For a free trial of OMJ, go to: www.the-omj.com/fueloilnews  For details of other companies offering market intelligence and pricing information, please see the market intelligence feature on pages 23-24 in the October issue of Fuel Oil News.

PLX Blue from Durapipe UK Durapipe UK is expanding PLX, its specialist fuel conveyance pipework system, with the launch of PLX Blue, a plastic pipework system specifically designed to transport AdBlue/DEF in refuelling applications. As AdBlue is becoming more widely used within diesel fuelled vehicles, PLX Blue enhances Durapipe’s existing range, providing a solution to convey AdBlue/DEF from tank to pump. Suitable for a variety of applications and manufactured from a high grade robust polyethylene, PLX Blue can carry AdBlue/DEF without fear of the additive leaking into the environment. The product’s durable properties also provide a design life of more than 30 years, with little maintenance required during its lifetime. PLX Blue is available in sizes from 32mm to 63mm, in both single wall and dual contained options. The pipework is lightweight in nature and allows for a simple installation process using an electro-fusion jointing system. David Naylor, brand manager for PLX, comments:  “The addition of PLX Blue to the range means that Durapipe UK can now fulfil all pipework requirements of a refuelling system, providing a one-stop solution for contractors and suppliers looking for a complete portfolio of pipework products.”www.plxpipe.com  

One of the 17 new trucks operated by Rix Petroleum, featuring the new TE550 Truck 111 system from Alpeco Alpeco Limited, a company within the Flomax Group, has won its largest order to date for their new TE550 Truck III electronic register system from Hull-based Rix Petroleum. Rix Petroleum appointed Alpeco as the preferred equipment supplier for 17 new trucks ordered in June 2013 from Tasca Tankers. 90% of the Rix Petroleum fleet are already fitted with Alpeco products and Alpeco and Liquid Controls tailored the development of the new TE550 Truck III to provide Rix with a bespoke electronic register system. All 17 tankers are now in service and two of them have operated the TE550 Truck III electronic register successfully since their introduction. The remaining 15 trucks will now be upgraded with the new system which has been designed specifically to address the growing need for operators to monitor the volumes of fuel loaded, delivered and left on board the tanker at any given time. The system’s inventory software allows the operator to input the volumes and grades of product loaded into each vehicle compartment. Once this information has been entered and saved, an in-cab printer produces a bill of laden confirming the time, date and the load details. As the tanker completes each delivery the volume discharged is then automatically deducted from the respective inventory and the volume left on board is shown on the meter display.www.alpeco.co.ukhttp://rix.co.uk

The BlueStream MultiServ Station from OTS BlueStream tank storage has been launched by Oil Tank Supplies (OTS) as the solution to the storage, dispensing and management of Adblue – used in the latest generation of commercial diesel vehicles for the removal of environmental pollutant, nitrous oxide. To meet stricter EU exhaust emission regulations for commercial vehicles, the automotive industry has adopted several technologies. One is “selective catalytic reduction” (SCR), where harmful exhaust gases are converted to nitrogen and water by catalytic conversion.  Using this system, vehicles are fitted with an Adblue tank, from which the solution is injected into the engine exhaust stream immediately after the combustion chamber. Adblue consumption is between 4% and 6% of the diesel consumption. Aimed at both fuel retailers and vehicle operators with their own fuel storage capabilities, the BlueStream range allows the option of dedicated single or multi-point Adblue dispensing, service bars including air, water and vacuum, and multi-serve points incorporating fuel options. Each comes with the option of “pay at pump” for retail forecourts and control via fuel management systems for commercial clients. Adblue will be more widely used as new EU regulations take effect, says OTS. As a result, it will become a much more prominent feature at filling stations and vehicle depots, with the BlueStream range giving controlled storage, management and dispensing options.www.oiltanksupplies.co.uk

The Energy Institute’s (EI) latest issue of the “IP Standard test methods for analysis and testing of petroleum and related products and British Standard 2000 Parts, 2014” is now available. The publication – published as “an essential part of any quality control regime for petroleum testing laboratories” – is the 72nd edition and details 322 full test methods, including seven brand new methods. The EI is regarded as a world-class leader in test method development, with the EI Test Method Standardisation Committee working closely with international standards agencies, as well as publishing jointed methods to produce British, European and international standards. The newest test methods to be included in the edition are:

Steve King – KingTankTechnic would never line a tank of poor integrity which has failed the Engineering Equipment and Materials Users’ Association (EEMUA) guidelines King Tanktechnic was one of the sixty plus exhibitors at the 2013 Tank Storage Association (TSA) exhibition Director Steve King who also attended the TSA conference (reviewed in the November 2013 issue of Fuel Oil News) said: “Several of the questions asked at the conference, made it clear to me that many in the bulk storage sector don’t perhaps realise the benefit of lining their tanks.” Based at Droylsden near Manchester, King Tanktechnic has 22 years of experience in tank lining and coatings which ensure the safe storage of millions of litres of hydrocarbons among many other substances. “Lining tank bottoms is good housekeeping,” added Steve. “Ninety-five per cent of all the tanks we’ve cleaned and inspected have proven to be corroding from the internal surface, rather than the exterior, with corrosion usually resulting from moisture contamination and microbes producing corrosive bi-products.” Below Steve provides answers to some of the queries that were raised at both the conference and at King Tanktechnic’s exhibition stand

Drawbar+ – an innovative solution from Emco Wheaton Drawbar + – a new innovative software package has been unveiled by Emco Wheaton. Drawbar + automatically monitors product levels in individual compartments of tankers. Versatile and flexible, the software can simultaneously monitor levels within any additional multi-compartmental draw bar trailer which may be connected to and towed by a tanker mid application. Ineffective monitoring of compartments can result in inaccurate distribution and product recognition at the point of delivery, potentially affecting profit margins and customer relations. If a two-compartment draw bar trailer is connected to a tanker with four compartments, Drawbar + will immediately begin to monitor and display the product levels in all six compartments. During loading, details are entered into the litre counter and compartment contents are displayed graphically and numerically. Drawbar + automatically displays the name, location and volume of the product in each compartment throughout transportation. Helping with accurate distribution, the volume is recalculated throughout the delivery process and any retained product is displayed. “Drawbar+ is testament to the way we’re always looking for innovative solutions to meet the needs of our customers. We’re very proud of the software as an upgrade that will help customers keep track of their product in even the most complicated circumstances,” commented territory sales manager, Tom Cunningham.

Trevor Seed (l) with Envirostore’s managing director, Richard Marsh by the new Firecheck tank An innovative product to overcome the problem of installing tanks next to buildings and structures has been developed by two well-known oil tank manufacturers. 

Striving to continuously improve its product range, Alpeco has launched a new radio remote control system Two new products to help improve operator safety and efficiency have recently been launched by Alpeco.NEW radio remote control system with integral digital counter A robust handset incorporates a digital display which replicates the counter display of Alpeco’s vehicle mounted TE550 electronic register. This allows the operator to monitor delivery volume and gives stop/start and hi/low flow control of the meter, whilst supervising the delivery at the end of the hose. The range of the new remote exceeds 200 metres and when outside its operating range, the handset display flashes. When delivery is complete and the electronic truck meter has printed a delivery ticket, the remote display on the handset automatically resets to zero.NEW ADTUBE additive applicator This provides a simple, cost-effective means of dosing fuels with additive when it is not possible to dose directly into a customer’s storage tank. The applicator is available in both one and half litre sizes and can be filled with the correct ratio of additive for the fuel, when connected to the tanker product return spout.  Additive is then mixed with the fuel by recirculating within the compartment or drawn through the manifold during delivery to the tank. The applicator is purged clear of product by activating the product return blow down. “Our programme of continuous development keeps us very much at the forefront of this industry,” said marketing director, Adrian Baskott. “We continuously strive to improve our product range – sometimes we tweak functionality, other times we launch new products or redesign existing ones, but the aim is always to improve safety and efficiency at all levels.”

The new range Maxol Lubricants has unveiled a new motor oil range for the retail market. The range reflects the new look of the Maxol brand and introduces new labels and symbols to make it easier to choose the correct motor oil. The symbols on each product indicate whether the motor oil is for petrol or diesel engines, or both and that it meets European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association standards. The label also displays a list of vehicles for which use of the oil is recommended. At the beginning of the year Maxol unveiled a new brand and forecourt identity and the new range marks the company’s continued rejuvenation of the brand. Maxol Lubricants worked closely with leading brand consultants Neworld Associates to incorporate the aesthetics of the new retail forecourt brand in the motor oil range. Research showed that consumers were largely confused by technical data on traditional packaging and were averse to buying from forecourts where specialist advice was unavailable. Commenting on the new look motor oil range, general manager, Owen O’Neill commented: “We have always been known as the pioneers of the industry and believe that we have again set a new higher standard by being the first to introduce clear and simple labelling as part of our new look motor oil range. “Our primary focus was to make the purchasing process easier for consumers and we feel the non-technical language, new symbols and clever design achieve this. “This has been an exciting project and one which we feel will help Maxol to win new customers. It is also important that the Maxol Group’s new brand identity is adopted across all facets of the business to guarantee consistency for all stakeholders.” The new look range will be fully rolled out by the end of 2013.www.maxol.ie

Andy Hill, group marketing manager, IPU Group All of IPU Group’s fuel conditioning products are designed to preserve the quality of stored diesel fuel. Andy Hill, group marketing manager, tells us more about IPU Group’s products and services, and how they can help preserve the quality of stored fuel. “As a first port of call, we will always suggest a continuous fuel testing programme to ensure that any issues can be detected as soon as possible.  Our first choice would always be to test on site, which we can offer, with instant results. However, sometimes it’s simply not possible to test on site, or you may need accredited lab standard test results – for these instances, lab testing is always available as a backup, and this is something that we can arrange. “In doing this, you may find you have a heavily contaminated fuel storage tank.  It is often thought that the only solution to these problems is expensive fuel uplift and replacement, but our fuel cleaning service means that you can have your diesel fuel deep cleaned, in the fuel tank, without the need for fuel uplift. “We simply blend FastClear FCC® into the fuel then pass it through a multistage filtration process before returning it to your tank.  The FastClear FCC® agent conditions the fuel by combining water, waxes and resins into the fuel in an irreversible process and the filtration process removes dirt, rust particles and biomass created by microbial infection, resulting in clean fuel and fuel system. “Thereafter, there are then a number of procedures that can be carried out to ensure fuel then stays at its prime. When it comes to preventing contamination, everyone knows that water is the enemy of those storing diesel for long periods. One of the simplest, most cost effective methods of reducing the risk of water in your fuel tank is by fitting a tank vent filter. An effective tank vent filter will remove up to 97% of moisture from air as it enters your fuel tank and is a very simple, cost effective way to ensure that fuel is kept clean and dry. “Apart from good fuel housekeeping, another easy form of protection you can provide for your fuel is a good quality fuel stabiliser. Our Diesel ADV+ is specially formulated to provide long term fuel oxidation stability for diesel and gas oil, as it controls water content and cleans up your fuel system by removing dirt particles – by using this you can expect to double your fuel storage life for a relatively low cost.

Neil Ryding, Bob Hall and Julia Mansfield With a strong research background in both a major oil company and a couple of large chemical concerns, Bob Hall founded Fuel Additive Science Technologies (FAST) in July 2005 Having the original intention of developing technically superior off the shelf automotive products offering 90% technology and 10% marketing (rather then the other way round); with a small marketing budget and the need to buy shelf space in key outlets, the concept was proving difficult. However, that autumn, Bob was approached by Mark Haselden, then with CPL Petroleum, about the development of a premium heating oil with added fragrance. Also expressing interest in premium kerosene were James Spencer, then at Bayfords, which went on to launch the new product at nine depots over 7 working days, and Neil Donald, then owner of Southern Counties. Up to this point, being a diesel and a gasoline man, Bob had never looked at kerosene. Research found much useful evidence in the bigger heating markets of France, Germany, the north east USA and Scandinavia which led to FAST’s premium product for pressure jet boilers. Then as problems with AGAs proliferated, the timing was perfect to develop a product for this market too. Whilst the chemistry was relatively straightforward, finding a company to produce bottles in the desired quantities was a challenge. A Norwich-based company now produces 200, 100 and 50ml bottles for which FAST owns the tooling.Staff additions Although by 2008 FAST had found its niche, it was still very much a cottage industry with a staff of two consisting of Bob and his partner,, SallyAnn as company secretary. Bob did all the formulations, bottling and labeling, even going out in a van to make sales. Enter Charles Southan. Despite a background in selling women’s underwear, Charles proved to be a first class relationship builder; Bob credits him with being largely instrumental in growing the business across the UK. Charles’ arrival coincided with the need to desulphurise fuel which put huge demands on refineries, resulting in more kerosene being imported with inherent quality issues. In October 2009, Charles was joined by Tim Carlon. Both recruits had come via the Golden Ball in Ironbridge, a popular watering hole of Bob’s. Sales to agricultural and marine markets are covered by Jane Murdock. By April 2010, FAST had 8 employees and when managing director Neil Ryding arrived that July, Bob took up the position of chairman. Working with Shropshire County Council, FAST now offers work placements to young people, some of whom are now in full time positions. In December 2011, chemist Julia Mansfield joined the team.The right product at the right time Again in 2011, FAST developed the right product at the right time when the gas oil standard changed and off-road diesel saw a massive reduction in sulphur. With off road vehicles calibrated on white diesel, an additive was needed to bring red diesel up to the DERV specification. FAST’s number one product is still its kerosene additive, now used by over 90% of the fuel distributor market. Its gas oil additive is in second place, followed by Diesel Supreme, a premium additive used by hauliers. Power Restorer, a service tool for agricultural/diesel servicing workshops, which cleans out deposits in the injectors, comes next. Recent cold winters have seen sales of anti-waxing products rise considerably whilst poor housekeeping exposure led to a peak in anti-bug sales in 2011. To test the performance of its additives, there are two boilers and an AGA which also keeps FAST’s Shropshire premises warm and is the focus for a Friday feed up when staff take turns to cook lunch. Agricultural additives have been independently tested by a Lincolnshire-based agricultural machinery dealership. When a customer has fuel problems, FAST offers a special customer service taking in samples for test and providing an answer.What’s next for FAST?  This month Julia, who produced a fuel quality report last year, will be joined in the laboratory by a new recruit whilst significant investment is being made in the laboratory itself. “The fuel quality report was a real milestone; we went to fuel producers, shook the tree and got factual information rather than the usual fuel hearsay. The perception is that nothing changes in fuel, but believe me it does,” said Julia. The next generation of heating oil additive with a patent pending is FASTFlame, which provides improved boiler efficiency even on new equipment. FAST recently expanded into Ireland where Jeff Murrells is in charge. “Whilst this market has huge potential, economic woes have made all fuels price sensitive and premiums, whilst beneficial, can put people off,” said Neil. FAST has also received supply enquiries from Europe. Attendance at regional shows has led to ‘a massive increase’ in recognition of its own Exocet brand. Getting together with a number of agricultural equipment suppliers and fuel distributors to help educate customers about how to store and look after fuel has paid dividends. “We’ve come a long way but we’re still a small company with multi-skilled staff willing to turn their hand to anything. I always tell people that if they come to work here they leave their ego at the door,” said Bob.

Lee Burgess (l) and Ian Appleton With cost cutting top of many a distributor’s business agenda, Fuel Oil News asks are there any opportunities available to increase profit? Speaking to Euro Oils directors, Lee Burgess and Ian Appleton, the answer is an emphatic “yes”. Just four years ago, the pair acquired this Midlands-based lubricants blender and manufacturer. Having grown the business by 400%, Euro Oils customers are sharing in the company’s success.Our lubricant, your brand Private label branding in the UK has grown substantially as major oil and lubricant brands have retrenched. Euro Oils is different from other lubricants manufacturers, in that it produces lubricants solely for its customers. Working with Euro Oils allows your company to build its own brand equity with a quality UK manufactured product bearing your name. Not having its own brand, Euro Oils will never be in competition with yours. Euro Oils acts as your silent partner – never divulging its suppliers nor its customers. “We launched our own brand of engine oil after becoming disheartened with the service and margins offered by our existing suppliers. As a small wholesaler/distributor we weren’t taken seriously by many of the other companies that we approached. Euro Oils came across as far more on the ball, and I was confident that they could deliver what I wanted.” Professional and profitable Benchmarking itself against the global leaders in lubricants, recent investment has vastly improved the image, quality and presentation of packaging. “When our customer’s brand packs a punch on the shelf, it’s definitely in everyone’s interests,” said Ian. “Professional packaging that really stands out certainly helps increase sales.” Considerable investment in the company’s capacity, capability and people has seen new laboratory testing equipment, a state of the art label printer, new filling lines plus more graduate recruitment and staff training. “For the first time in over 7 years of wholesaling other brand engine oils we can finally see profits in small pack engine oil. Previously our oil brands had acted as a door opener and we would be reliant on pushing wiper blades, car mats and seat covers to try and earn some profit. Sales are going very strong; the independent motor factor shops and a couple of larger distributors have been very receptive to our branding and packaging.” “We’ve added more to our offering,” said Lee. “Having reduced the complexity around the sale of lubricants, there are now less barriers to entry for smaller players. Synthetic oils have risen in prominence and there’s been a move away from barrels to the production of smaller pack sizes and multiple packs. Large or small – all customers can build a brand with a strong image in the automotive and agricultural markets, and make a good profit.” With threats of negative interest, rather than leave £30,000 in the bank doing nothing, one Euro Oil customer spends the money on lubricants; in six weeks he can make a £10,000 profit. With the minimum order being just a pallet, entering the own brand lubricants market may be easier than you think. Taking a flexible approach, Euro Oils encourages customers to regard its blending plant as their own. “Simply tell us what you want,” said Lee.“A partnership with Euro Oils was very much part of our company strategy. We felt that developing our own brand products for our retail network would give us a competitive edge. On a more personal level I have known Lee for many years and knew that I could rely on him to deliver a package that would effectively suit our business needs.” Having upgraded its facilities for the benefit of customers, Euro Oils has upgraded itself with a brand new logo designed to reflect the company’s growing customer base in the Middle East.  Check out the new logo and brand new website at www.euro-oils.com. Could this silent non-competing partner give your business a competitive edge? To find out more, please call Lee on 01527 502252.

Glynn Mitchell says it’s the easiest system he has ever used Crown Oil recently selected Emco Wheaton to be its electronic pump metering supplier after the Bury-based distributor had an excellent introduction to the company’s latest Data Plus 2 equipment With eight new tankers being added to Crown’s fleet over the coming months, Emco’s electronic pump metering will soon be at the heart of many of its deliveries. Glynn Mitchell (pictured here), who joined Crown from Samuel Cooke last year, is one of the lucky drivers to have been given one of the brand new DAF CF tankers. “In my time as a tanker driver, this is definitely the easiest system I’ve ever used. Its speed, coupled with ease of use, makes my job very efficient.” Also impressed with the equipment’s simplicity and quality is Crown Oil fleet engineer, David Goodall, who has been with the company for 10 years. “Implementation has been so easy. The driver of our first new truck took to it straight away without the need for any further training. “Plus the back-up given by Emco Wheaton’s sales and service team has been excellent. Based on this experience, we decided to fit further trucks with Data Plus 2.” Asked about what he looks for when sourcing a new tanker, David said: “Price is the main criteria, along with proximity. Located in Lancashire, Crown’s only an hour away from south Yorkshire. We’ve used both RTN and Tasca for 10 years, and both are always asked to quote for each new tanker we source. “We’ve standardised our fleet so that trucks are identical. They all work in exactly the same way which really helps drivers who use a variety of vehicles. “We started using Emco products awhile ago and were blown away by a system that’s methodical and essentially both driver and mechanic friendly. It’s a fabulous system that guides drivers through the whole process, especially useful for drivers working from remote depots. Jonathan Wiltshire, Emco Wheaton’s territory sales manager, added: “We were very pleased to hear that Crown’s drivers have found the simplicity of the Data Plus 2’s litre counter to be such a huge benefit. The equipment is extremely intuitive; it guides each decision the driver has to make, facilitating faster and more efficient deliveries.”The benefits of Data Plus 2 The system comprises a lightweight aluminium pneumatically actuated manifold assembly with gas extractor, an electronic litre counter/control unit, meter, pump, printer and product transfer system.

The new RHA/FTA card from The Fuelcard Company Exclusive access to discounted fuel is now available to members of the Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association through a new joint fuel card.    The Fuelcard Company card operateson the Keyfuels network, which covers one in five of all UK fuel stations.  The new card can be used at over 1600 sites nationwide.  Many sites have dedicated HGV fast flow pumps and a third have capacity for HGVs up to 44 tonnes.  Members will receive a weekly fixed price based on the bulk fuel market, which could mean savings of over £50,000 per year.* Users will have access to the Fuelcard Company’s online fuel management systems, allowing them to keep track of fuel spend whilst its smartphone app means that they will always be able find a fuel station.  In addition, the online site locator www.ftafuel.co.uk gives the option to download fuel site information straight to a sat nav. The card is free for the first year and there is no contract to sign or cancellation fee. FTA chief executive, Theo de Pencier said:  “Joining forces with RHA means that we can pool our resources and offer members excellent discounts and price reductions.  Having worked together with FairFuelUK in a successful campaign to stop fuel duty hikes, we have gone one step further towards the solution to getting fixed weekly fuel prices for our members.” www.ftafuel.co.uk *Based against national average pump prices Jan–Dec 2012, with an average weekly volume of 30,000 litres.