Spotlight 26
Ford Fuel Oils driver Martin Veater, who has been with the company for almost 25 years, is preparing to support a C2C cycle in order to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
One of Ford Fuel Oils’ key workers delivering lubricants, Adblue and fuel to customers’ doorsteps, Martin will be taking one of the company’s workshop vehicles to help assist his close friends Neil Taylor and Julian Wyatt on the C2C cycle from Whitehaven in Cumbria to Sunderland and back – which is approximately 300 miles.
Travelling one way, the journey is expected to take 3-5 days on average, Neil and Julian are aiming to complete the journey in four days.
The idea of the journey is to start with a rear wheel in the Irish Sea and end with a front wheel in the North Sea.
Martin will be supporting the cyclists the entire way. If you would like to support Martin and his close friends during this time, donate to Cancer Research UK here https://lnkd.in/dNEe4xj.
Clugston Distribution Services Ltd is adding 15 new Cobo 42,000 litre fuel tankers to its growing and expanding fleet with the manufacturer equipping Clugston with new tankers for bulk fuel transportation.
Providing road tanker transport solutions to the bulk powder and bulk fuel sectors, Clugston has already received some of the new tankers which are ready to have their familiar blue liveries added in the paint shop before hitting the road.
Specialising in aluminium tanks for transport of hydrocarbons, as well as stainless steel vehicles for transportation of other products, Cobo vehicles merge experience, technology and quality. Product capabilities include motor spirit, diesel, ethanol, bio diesel, bio ethanol, aviation fuel (kerosene), gas oil, marine gas oil, fuel oils and other liquid chemicals.
Essar Oil UK’s Stanlow Manufacturing Complex has achieved Gold in the internationally-renowned RoSPA Health and Safety Awards, which offer a prime opportunity to benchmark safety performance year on year and ensure consistent performance between sites. They also provide an effective route to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to raising health and safety standards.
Established in 1956, the longest-running industry awards scheme in the UK, which receives over 2,000 entries from organisations around the world, recognises achievement in health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement.
Julia Small, RoSPA’s head of qualifications, awards and events, said;
“The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, but it receives entries from organisations around the world, making it one of the most sought-after global accolades in health and safety.
“RoSPA wants every employee, wherever they are, to work safe in the knowledge that they will be going home unharmed and healthy at the end of every day. The RoSPA Award winners are vital to help achieve this goal, as by entering they are driving up standards and setting new benchmarks for organisations everywhere. Currently, around seven million people are directly impacted by the RoSPA Awards, but the scheme’s influence is even wider.”
Jon Barden, chief operating officer at Essar, commented;
“Health and Safety is a continuous focus for everyone at Essar. We are pleased to once again receive the Gold RoSPA award, recognising our commitment to maintaining the highest health and safety standards and safe working environment which ensures our staff and business partners get home safely to their families at the end of every working day.”
Adler and Allan has agreed a three-year partnership with Hoyer Petrolog UK Ltd to carry out road tanker testing across its road fuel tanker fleet.
The contract will include holding their fleet details on a secure database, to ensure that all tests are carried out on schedule. Clients have password-protected database access to view their fleet information, including test results and certificates.
The integrity of the barrel and tank on road tankers should be tested every two years according to the Road Traffic (Carriage of Dangerous Substances in Road Tankers and Tank Containers) Regulations 1992.
Adler and Allan is approved by the Department for Transport to provide road tanker testing across the UK and issue Safe Loading Passes as well as meeting strict UKAS standards. The company is also approved and accredited for testing general purpose and bitumen tanks as well as meter and fire extinguisher testing which is required annually.
Andrew Clarke, Forecourt Services managing director, Adler and Allan, said;
“We are delighted that Hoyer Petrolog UK Ltd has trusted us with their road tanker testing in the UK. As well as road tanker testing we are accredited to perform vapour tightness testing, intermediate and periodic inspection and testing.
“We are also experts in chemical compliance and have a 24/7 hazardous materials advice line. If you are transporting any bulk liquid in the UK, we can ensure you remain compliant and safe.”
The news follows the latest announcement that Adler and Allan has extended its leak detection capability by offering Leighton O’Brien’s Automatic Tank Gauge Alarm Management solution and Wetstock Live fuel management software to the UK petroleum industry.
Family business, Gardner Garages Limited, has recently opened another Texaco site, City Service Station in Hereford. This will bring the current number of Gardner Garages sites under the Texaco brand to four with their first site Gardner General Garage in Huntley joining over 20 years ago. The three existing sites have recently signed long term renewals with the Texaco brand as well.
Portico, a deep-water cargo terminal owned by Portsmouth City Council and based within Portsmouth International Port, is taking action to minimise its impact on local air quality by powering its cargo handling operations with a low emission alternative fuel.
The business is working with Certas Energy to implement the use of a cleaner burning diesel alternative, Shell GTL Fuel, in its port side fleet, plant and machinery.
Exclusively supplied in the UK by Certas Energy, Gas-To-Liquid (GTL) is a paraffinic fuel known for its improved combustion properties. It is proven to reduce emission levels of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) to immediately improve local air quality.
Trials have shown that Shell GTL Fuel can reduce NOx emissions by up to 37% and PM by up to 50% compared to conventional diesel. As a drop-in fuel, Shell GTL Fuel can be used as a direct replacement for diesel to improve air quality without the need for expensive modifications to existing engines or investment in infrastructure.
The fuel is free of unwanted components such as sulphur, metals and aromatics, which make it non-toxic, biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. This is a significant added benefit for Portico, which works in close proximity to marine ecosystems.
Shell GTL Fuel also produces less odour, smoke and engine noise than conventional diesel to create a more pleasant working environment for port operatives. Its improved engine starting performance in colder conditions makes it a year-round reliable fuel choice.
The low emission fuel will be used across Portico’s extensive fleet of vehicles, plant and machinery, helping to reduce ongoing maintenance costs.
Steve Williams, operations director at Portico, said; “We are constantly pursuing cleaner ways of working to minimise our environmental impact in the port area and for the local community. By transitioning to a cleaner burning fuel with Certas Energy, we can reduce harmful local emissions of PM and NOx to make an immediate and positive difference to local air quality.”
Further to news of the significant safety milestone achieved at Stanlow, a donation of £3,000 has been made to the Ellesmere Port based Boaty Theatre Company to support the delivery of their summer programme for local children. The funds were raised through Essar’s ‘Let’s Give’ scheme, which links the company’s commitment to safety directly with charitable giving and came after one million hours without a Recordable Injury were recently achieved at the refinery.
The awarding-winning team at The Boaty Theatre Company provide a safe and a supportive environment for local young people of all abilities to achieve their creative ambitions through on-going projects, performances, workshops and creative activities. Boaty Theatre were quick to adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic, moving rehearsals online and social groups going virtual to ensure all their regular beneficiaries were safe and well during isolation. In response to challenges facing the local community, the team devised and launched a free summer programme, which local young people could join in person or online.
Consisting of four hours of creative workshops every weekday throughout the holidays, the programme includes drama sessions, creative writing and music production, together with yoga, mindfulness and art therapy. The team also created activity packs required to join in workshops from home. These were given to over 400 local children, helping families struggling with the cost of home schooling. The charity has also been able to provide in excess of 30 free lunches every day through external support.
Artistic director for The Boaty Theatre Company and Summer Programme Lead, Laura Harris, said; “We were delighted to discover that Essar knew of and wished to support our work. This surprising donation will really help us out and enable us to address differentiated provision for the remainder of the summer programme. It’s so encouraging to be recognised in such a manner and be supported by a company so intrinsically linked with the town.”
Sponsors of the Valero UK Benefit for Children Classic have gone above and beyond for charity, donating over £169,000 for children’s charities, even though the event this year did not take place. When the annual charity golf and karting event was cancelled earlier in the year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Valero was concerned that the charities would miss out. So they asked their sponsors if they would help out.
The Craggs Energy Group has appointed a new chief financial officer and is actively seeking several acquisitions across the North of England.
TSA associate member Reynolds Training Services has had its Bulk Storage Operator Technician qualification approved by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) – the first level 3 diploma to be approved by IChemE.
Part of a two-year apprenticeship offering a wider focus on process and occupational safety, human factors and emergency response and aligning these elements with technical operations, approval has been awarded for Reynolds Training Services’ sector leading Bulk Storage Operator Technician level 3 diploma. The programme is a mix of vocational and academic learning delivered in conjunction with HETA (Humberside Engineering Training Association) at Reynolds Training Services’ who are based at the CATCH Training facility in Stallingborough North East Lincolnshire.
John Reynolds, managing director at Reynolds Training Services, said; “This is a huge milestone in the progression of this qualification and embedding it into the apprenticeship programme and offers a real career pathway for those entering the industry, or for those currently employed within the sector and looking for a wider progression route.
“It was brought about through excellent teamwork and coordination with the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), the Tank Storage Association and the wider team at Reynolds Training Services Ltd. I am extremely proud of the work undertaken and the achievement gained.”
The IChemE assessors commended Reynolds Training Services for their outstanding simulation facility of a full-scale tank farm that offers a realistic, professional environment and which provides trainee engineers ample work-based experience in real-world problem-solving and risk assessment for major accident hazards. The assessors also praised the course leaders for teaching the process safety fundamentals at an exceptionally high standard.
Peter Davidson, executive director of the Tank Storage Association, commented; “The bulk liquid storage sector is and will continue to be an important source of career opportunities. With a new wave of innovation and extensive demand for skilled and qualified specialists, we are delighted that this Level 3 Qualification that is embedded into the sector leading apprenticeship programme has received IChemE recognition, a testament to Reynolds Training Services’ commitment to the development of the next generation of talent in the UK.”
Scottish fuel distribution business Oilfast is running a Local Hero Scheme aimed at recognising and rewarding the efforts of both key workers and members of the public, who have supported their local communities during the pandemic.
Joe Carroll, sales director at Oilfast, said; “Our Local Hero scheme is a great way of supporting those who support us, and their local community. In total, we have had seven winners in Scotland and one in Wales – each will receive 500 litres of heating oil when they require it.”
Mark Robinson, pictured, was the winner from Oilfast’s Insch depot.
Another winner, Carl Stewart from Cromdale, was called ‘selfless’ for his positive contributions in his local community, including fundraising for local causes, helping locals with shopping and prescription deliveries and arranging activities to bring the community together.
No strangers to giving back to the community, Phillips 66 Limited has gone the extra mile to thank NHS staff and key workers through generous charitable donations.
The company helped out locally in Humber, donating 12,000 gloves, 1,500 waterproof gowns and 100 goggles to Grimsby Hospital in support of first responders.
Phillips 66 has also been on hand helping those who have been isolating at home. A spokesperson from Phillips 66 said; “In partnership with Sodexo, the on-site catering team, we helped deliver food and essential supplies to neighbours of the refinery who were shielding.”
In addition to this, over £40,000 has been raised for the domestic abuse charities Blue Door and Hull Women’s Refuge and £1,000 has been donated to support an additional first responders van on the road.
The company also donated 1,000 acetates to support staff volunteers making 3D printed face visors and in a move to help the elderly stay connected with their families, an iPad has been donated to a local nursing home to assist with video calls and remote communications.
Fuel Oil News welcomes your nominations for the prestigious 2020 tanker of the year award.
The Prax Group has signed an agreement with Total to purchase Lindsey Oil Refinery and its associated logistic assets. With a strong track record of integrating acquisitions and managing assets in the oil value chain, the Prax Group is a long-standing and trusted partner of Total.
The acquisition will bring new investment to the refinery and underlines the Prax Group’s determination to support the local economy and the wider community.
“The Prax Group’s long-term strategy is to be fully integrated across the oil value chain from upstream to downstream,” said Sanjeev Kumar, CEO of the Prax Group. “Acquiring Lindsey Oil Refinery is a natural progression for the Prax Group, providing the opportunity to integrate the refinery and associated product flows into the company’s UK distribution and retail footprint, which operates under the Harvest Energy brand. We look forward to continuing to provide a secure supply of energy to new and existing customers.”
The sale will place the refinery at the heart of the Prax Group’s strategic network. Sanjeev Kumar continued, “We are committed to all Lindsey Oil Refinery employees, who are a key element for the future success of the refinery.”
Lindsey Oil Refinery saw a major investment from Total in 2015, which modernised and streamlined the refinery.
“Since selling our British retail network in 2011, the Lindsey Oil Refinery has not been part of Total’s downstream system. With this agreement to sell, the refinery will be at the heart of the Prax Group’s UK network and it will be able to add value more easily”, said Thomas Behrends, general manager of Lindsey Oil Refinery. “We are proud of the team and the work we have accomplished together.”
The completion date of the acquisition is expected before the end of 2020.
Pictured left to right: Gaz Owens, Ryan Evans, Greg Walters and Steve Cristofaro. Picture by Marketing Manager, Jake Hicks, at the opening of the GTBAL Our Place store, in April 2019
Valero Operations Shift workers at the Pembroke refinery have donated another £25,000 to charity.
The previous generosity of this Valero team was reported in Fuel Oils News’ June issue, when a donation of the same amount was given to PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action to Combat Hardship) to help those in need during the pandemic lockdown.
As well as PATCH, this time donations have gone to three local charities focusing predominantly on mental health; Get the Boys a Lift (GTBAL), PATCH and SNAP Pembrokeshire.
A Valero spokesperson said; “A huge well done to our operations staff for raising funds to help support those that need it the most.”Messages of thanks
Since the opening of its shop in April 2019, GTBAL has provided free counselling and follow-up sessions to over 110 people.
GTBAL’s Ryan Evans said; “The mental health impact that COVID-19 has had and will continue to have is immense. Everyone needs to recognise that this pandemic will impact our communities in so many different ways. Helping those who have found this a tough time is the right thing to do. Thank you, Valero staff.”
SNAP is a specialist playgroup that helps children with additional needs with their development and education.
SNAP’s Cindy Jenkins commented; “This donation will help many families who are struggling with childcare for vulnerable children in this really difficult time. It is amazing that Valero staff are reaching out to help those in need. It won’t be forgotten.”
Valero has worked with PATCH over the years. Since 2008, the charity has been giving free food parcels, clothing and household items to those in financial need in Pembrokeshire.
“Valero has already given us the largest donation we have ever received but to have even more is beyond our expectations,” said Tracy Olin. PATCH manager. “Valero staff have really done something special and we can’t thank them enough.”
Stephen Thornton, manager public affairs, concluded; “The shift workers from the Valero Operations Department at Pembroke refinery have again performed an act of overwhelming generosity. They have chosen three well-loved causes in our county focusing pre-dominantly on mental health. This pandemic has reached into all our lives and the best we can do is to continue to help and look after each other.”
The Prax Group has signed an agreement with Total to purchase Lindsey Oil Refinery and its associated logistic assets, with the deal subject to the conditions of sale being met. With a strong track record of integrating acquisitions and managing assets in the oil value chain, the Prax Group is a long-standing and trusted partner of Total. The acquisition will bring new investment to the refinery and underlines the Prax Group’s determination to support the local economy and the wider community. “The Prax Group’s long-term strategy is to be fully integrated across the oil value chain from upstream to downstream,” said Sanjeev Kumar, CEO of the Prax Group. “Acquiring Lindsey Oil Refinery is a natural progression for the Prax Group, providing the opportunity to integrate the refinery and associated product flows into the company’s UK distribution and retail footprint, which operates under the Harvest Energy brand. We look forward to continuing to provide a secure supply of energy to new and existing customers.” The sale will place the refinery at the heart of the Prax Group’s strategic network.Sanjeev Kumar continued, “We are committed to all Lindsey Oil Refinery employees, who are a key element for the future success of the refinery.” Lindsey Oil Refinery saw a major investment from Total in 2015, which modernised and streamlined the refinery. “Since selling our British retail network in 2011, the Lindsey Oil Refinery has not been part of Total’s downstream system. With this agreement to sell, the refinery will be at the heart of the Prax Group’s UK network and it will be able to add value more easily”, said Thomas Behrends, general manager of Lindsey Oil Refinery. “We are proud of the team and the work we have accomplished together.”
Kettlewell Fuels director Janet Kettlewell was inaugurated as the 33rd President of UKIFDA on the 24th June 2020, during the trade association’s first virtual AGM.
Taking over the Presidency from Jodie Allan, who held the post for 3 years, Janet will head the association’s management committee. Her new role will involve working closely with chief executive Guy Pulham to optimise the work of the association in lobbying government on energy policy and the delivery of services for both distributor and associate members.
A UKIFDA management committee member for some 5 years and regional representative for Yorkshire and the North East of England, Janet has seen the trade association transform itself into a modern, forward-thinking and highly ambitious organisation that is ready for the next stage of its development.
Janet brings a wealth of sector experience and knowledge to the role, having joined her Yorkshire based family business Kettlewell Fuels, in 1996. Janet recently undertook an MBO of the business with husband Trevor, taking ownership of Kettlewell Fuels outright from the Kettlewell family.
Commenting on her appointment Janet Kettlewell said; “I am absolutely delighted to have been given this opportunity to use my 24 years experience for the good of the industry.
“I aim to continue the sterling work of past presidents on raising standards in the industry and making further significant progress on how the industry meets the decarbonisation targets set by the governments of the UK and Ireland. As the market continues to develop and change, as we enter a new era of liquid fuels, we will embrace all the challenges that lie ahead for our sector with enthusiasm and passion and I am absolutely sure that UKIFDA and its members will continue to thrive.
“I cannot wait to start working with the fantastic team at UKIFDA and the exceptional management committee to see what the next two years bring.”
UKIFDA chief executive Guy Pulham adds; “We all warmly welcome Janet as our new President – and we know she will make an excellent and fitting successor to Jodie. The team at UKIFDA has worked closely with Janet in her roles as regional representative and Vice President but also directly with her company Kettlewell Fuels, who have been UKIFDA Members for 24 years. She will prove a fantastic asset and a great advocate of our campaign to secure the much-needed support from government to ensure biofuels play a key role in the future of the 1.5m heating oil consumers in the UK and 686,000 in Ireland who are not on the gas grids.”
Slicker Recycling Limited, the UK’s largest collector and processor of used waste lubricating oil, has announced the acquisition of RE:Group (UK) Ltd.
RE:Group, based in Hull, provides waste oil collection and processing, industrial services and advanced fuel manufacturing.
Commenting on the acquisition, Mark Olpin managing director of Slicker Recycling, which also provides total waste management solutions to its extensive customer base, said; “The acquisition of RE:Group is an excellent strategic fit, increasing our UK storage capacity, geographic reach, export options, innovative process capabilities and new products and services to offer our customers. Re:Group is a solid well run business and we are extremely excited by the opportunities this acquisition provides.”
Last year Slicker, through its parent company Greenbottle Limited, co-invested in a 100,000 tonne per annum base oil re-refinery situated in Denmark.
RE:Groups’ managing director Paul Waine, will remain with the business and has joined the board of Greenbottle. Paul said; “Slicker Recycling has in recent years invested significantly more in this sector than anyone else, so the chance to integrate RE:Group and also play a part in the continued growth story is a fantastic opportunity.“
Mark Olpin added; “RE:Group is the fourth acquisition in as many years for Slicker Recycling, which together with the investment in the Danish re-refinery, shows both the level of support and ambition the shareholders have for the business.”
Moray businessman Stephen Scott has been appointed a board member for Elgin City Football Club.
The former commercial property lawyer was born and brought up in Elgin before his studies and work took him to Edinburgh. Now back in Moray, Stephen owns the Gleaner Oils business in Elgin with his wife Jane.
A spokesperson for Elgin FC explains how the club have waited patiently for this appointment; “Stephen’s wife Jane is a Lossie girl, and about six years ago, they bought out her Uncle’s interest in what had been her family’s business, thus becoming 100% owners of Gleaner.
“Stephen openly professes to have had a zero per cent knowledge of the fuel business at that time but was driven by a desire to protect the staff as well as the dependent pensioners – about 360 people in total. He put in many 18 hour days as he gained an understanding of how the business works, which caused him to decline politely some previous overtures for him to join the City Board – because he worried about his business commitments causing him to let the Club down. He now feels though that the business and its subsidiaries are in a sufficiently good place that he can devote whatever energies are required to the Club.”
Stephen told the club’s website; “My late father Alex (a well-known chartered surveyor in Elgin) and my uncle Ed, mum’s brother (former editor of the Strathspey & Badenoch Herald), started taking me to Borough Briggs when I was a wee boy.
“Dad bought me my first season ticket in summer 1968 at the tender age of three, going on four. As those who know me will attest, I have been hooked on the club ever since. Our son Evan said to me when this decision was reached that it would have made Grandad very proud, as he was also an Elgin boy through and through. I agree, and that means the world to me.
“I look forward to working with all the great people on the board in furtherance of the ambitions of the club which we all love.”
Gleaner has multiple signs (one of which is LARGE) dotted strategically around Borough Briggs. Stephen’s association with his hometown club led him to form a Gullane branch of the supporters’ club, which has a banner permanently on display at Borough Briggs. He used to stay with his family in the East Lothian coastal town before relocating back to Moray.
In the photo Stephen is seen presenting the Man of the Match award to Rabin Omar, after he scored a wonder goal in a 4 – 1 victory against Annan last November.
Elgin chairman Graham Tatters said; “He’s a man with an unbelievable amount of experience in different matters in the business world. He’s going to be a real asset to the club.”
Automotive industry charity, Ben, has announced the cancellation of its annual flagship event, Ben Ball, in December. As a result of COVID-19, the event won’t be taking place this year for the first time since World War II, contributing to a potential income shortfall of £1m for Ben this year.
Having asked those who regularly attend Ben Ball if they would consider attending this December, the majority of past attendees said they wouldn’t due to concerns surrounding safety in light of COVID-19 and uncertainty around budgets.
The charity continues to support more and more automotive industry people with their health and wellbeing during this challenging time. Now, more than ever before, automotive people need the support of Ben to help them cope with anxiety, depression, money worries, bereavement and loneliness. However, this increased support comes at a time when the charity’s income has fallen as a result of the Coronavirus and the impact it has had on the finances of companies and individuals in the industry.
The cancellation of Ben Ball, along with the postponement of other fundraising events / initiatives, as well as a decline in donations, means Ben is anticipating a £1m income shortfall this year, similar to many other charities. This is why the charity is appealing for those who can, to continue their support and keep providing vital funds so Ben can always be there for those who are struggling.
Matt Wigginton, fundraising director at Ben, said; “Making the decision to cancel Ben Ball is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make, however with the uncertainty of the situation surrounding COVID-19 and the impact it has had on our industry, it was, unfortunately, inevitable.
“We are living through unprecedented times and this means making tough decisions, but also being adaptable, so we plan to run a virtual fundraising event on 9th December instead, which we hope our industry will get involved in. So watch this space, we’ll reveal more in the coming months!
“We would also like to take this opportunity to give our heartfelt thanks to those who have continued to support Ben during this time – your support is more valuable now than ever before. We look forward to seeing friends, old and new, at next year’s event!”
With a brand-new website and the introduction of a sister company, Halso UK Fuels Ltd continues its exciting journey from modest beginnings to a thriving business recognised as one of the country’s experts in petroleum, gas & oil supply and distribution.
Progressing from its launch in a caravan in 1967 through the wooden huts which still exist to the current modern offices it has always been renowned for excellent customer care and service which remain second to none.
Supplying fuels to industrial, commercial and domestic customers, this family run business is now in its third generation. Emma Osborn-Wilkes, granddaughter of founder Sid Osborn, is managing director of both Halso and its new sister company EL Oils which has been trading in some capacity for the last 50 years.
Emma commented; “We still supply fuel, oils and lubricants to our local farmers and domestic, residential customers but now we also service commercial clients nationwide.
“It was little over 12 months ago we decided to diversify, offering our lubricants, oils and greases under our sister brand EL Oils. We find this to be a much cleaner way of showcasing our varied product portfolio.”
Emma continued; “Halso continues to be our brand for fuel management and distillates, and EL Oils offers our additional products, as well as services including tank cleaning, oil changes and tank monitoring.
“EL Oils, like Halso, is a very proud family business with high standards offering a personal service to all customers. We want to seamlessly support all of our commercial or domestic clients with their fuel, oil and lubricant needs. It’s our job to power your business and home.”
As a fifth-generation family business that has been operating in East Yorkshire for more than 140 years, J.R. Rix & Sons has always believed in supporting the local community.
That’s why during the coronavirus outbreak, the company has gone out of its way to provide help and resources to local businesses and organisations hit by the pandemic, and those fighting to contain it.
In one such move, J.R. Rix & Sons donated £10,000 to entrepreneur Alex Youden who designed a face mask and respirator that protects frontline medical staff against COVID-19.
Alex makes the masks on this 3D printer and the donation enabled him to buy raw materials. J.R. Rix & Sons also provided furloughed volunteers to help distribute the PPE.
The family business has also dug deep within its own stores to donate products to help protect people and to carry on with daily life.
Rix-owned businesses Rix Petroleum, Victory Leisure Homes and Jordans Cars donated spare PPE to frontline workers at Hull City Council, and the business gave a number of used laptops to underprivileged children at a primary school, enabling them to continue their education at home.
Victory Leisure Homes, the group’s holiday home and lodge manufacturing business, is also making an isolation unit for a local care home, so elderly residents can receive visits from family members.
Rory Clarke, managing director of J.R. Rix & Sons, said everyone had to pull together during the crisis and the company was delighted to do what it could.
He said: “We’ve said from the start of the outbreak that it is the duty of everyone who can help to do so.
“As a fifth-generation family company with deep ties to our local community, we’ve tried to do that in as many was as we can.”
In the context of the biggest replacement investment in the company’s history, the HOYER Group has taken delivery of more than 500 new trucks throughout Europe, for which it has invested around 42.7 million Euro, to transport mineral oil, chemical products and gases. The trucks have innovative technologies that more than fulfil the legal requirements relating to safety and offer added value with regard to economic efficiency and environmental protection.
The HOYER Group ordered the majority of the trucks to supply mineral oil in Great Britain whilst commissioning the latest generation of trucks from Volvo for supplies to service stations in Germany. The first units have already been delivered, and the entire fleet will be gradually replaced by the end of 2020.
According to Rudolf Schumacher, Fleet Manager of the HOYER Group in Dormagen, Germany: “The safety of our drivers and of other road users has top priority. We transport highly sensitive goods every day and consider it our duty to reduce risks and dangers to the absolute minimum.”
“Thanks to our fleet’s innovative safety equipment, we more than satisfy the legal requirements and set standards in the sector. Moreover, we emphasise the continuous instruction and further education of our personnel. We regularly and intensively train our drivers on the topic of safety in the framework of classroom training sessions and online training courses.”
The trucks are fitted with new-generation Euro-6 engines that offer added value regarding economic efficiency and sustainability, meaning that after the modernisation is complete, 98 per cent of the HOYER Group fleet of more than 2,200 trucks will be equipped with these low-pollution engines.
Four of the new truck models will even be operated using an alternative LNG engine. This means the HOYER Group has increased the number of trucks running on liquid natural gas to nine. The first LNG truck was acquired in 2018 and are intended to transport gases and mineral oil. The fact that the service station network for alternative energies has not yet been expanded to cover all areas is currently preventing further procurements.
Drivers employed as part of HOYER’s UK Petrolog fuel tanker delivery team have received training to deliver medical grade oxygen to NHS hospitals treating patients with COVID-19.
The potential deployment comes after the company approached the Government to see how it could both support the national effort to fight the virus and protect jobs, by providing support in delivering essential goods.
Jonathan Lawrence, Divisional Director, Field Operations for the Petrolog business of HOYER in the UK, said: “The MoD quickly got in touch with us, and we began speaking directly to Air Products about how we could assist them in the critical delivery of oxygen to hospitals, supporting the NHS.”
“We were asked if we could provide drivers with a Class 1 LGV licence and a Class 2 ADR licence, who were based near Air Products’ depots at Didcot in Oxfordshire and Carrington in Manchester. HOYER sought volunteers from our Hemel and Stanlow depots and received a resounding response with many colleagues answering the call and willing to do their bit to help in supporting the NHS.”
The first ten Petrolog drivers from the company’s depots at Stanlow Refinery in Cheshire and Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, have now completed medical grade oxygen product training with Air Products.
Jonathan Lawrence added: “Whilst both HOYER and Air Products hope that our support is not required, we now have a group of drivers who can be deployed quickly to ensure that these lifesaving deliveries can continue uninterrupted.”
Allan Davison, Operations Director for the Petrolog business of HOYER in the UK said: “With demand for medical essentials increasing daily, the need for high levels of logistical expertise is more prominent than ever. Alongside our highly trained workforce we are able to quickly support other companies and more importantly key workers during this unprecedented time and we are proud of our team for stepping forward for this.”