News 65
Greenergy has also reached agreement with Royal Vopak to purchase its one third share in the joint venture that owns Thames Oilport and Thames Enterprise Park. (Shell retains its existing third share). New engineering work carried out at the Thames Oilport will allow the storage of diesel to commence next year
Macquarie Capital and Greenergy are to establish Navigator Terminals through acquisition of Royal Vopak’s UK operating storage assets and Greenergy North Tees
Behind Navigator Terminals (Navigator) are Macquarie Capital and Greenergy which have partnered to acquire Royal Vopak’s UK storage facilities at West Thurrock on the Thames, Seal Sands at Teesside and Windmill near Cardiff. Simultaneously, Navigator will also acquire the operational storage assets of Greenergy North Tees at Teesside.
These acquisitions will give Navigator an initial storage capacity of approximately 1.5 million cubic meters, making it the UK’s largest independent bulk liquid storage provider. Each terminal is strategically located in an area of significant regional demand.
“Our participation in Navigator ensures our continued access to the infrastructure assets that currently underpin our UK supply position,” says Andrew Owens, Greenergy chief executive.
“It gives us greater flexibility at these facilities, ensuring we will be best placed to deliver low cost and resilient fuel supply for our customers in the long-term. As an infrastructure investment company, Navigator will also provide a vehicle to fund further infrastructure acquisitions supporting our continued growth in the fuels sector.”
Neil Arora, senior managing director, Macquarie Capital said: “Greenergy is the leading provider of wholesale fuels in the UK and uniquely placed to lead investment in the UK storage sector. We are delighted to partner with Greenergy to establish Navigator Terminals. This transaction is another example of the flexible, partnership capital Macquarie Capital is able to deploy to support clients globally.”
There are no plans to change existing operations or management and staff of the terminals. Navigator will continue to provide ongoing fuel, crude oil and chemical storage for a wide range of customers at the terminals. Greenergy will continue as principal customer of Navigator for fuel storage at the West Thurrock and Teesside terminals. Navigator is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety across its operations and will combine the best of Vopak’s and Greenergy’s safety systems and culture at all facilities.
As part of the transaction Greenergy has entered into long-term off take agreements with Navigator at West Thurrock, Seal Sands and North Tees, where it currently stores and supplies fuel. In addition, Navigator has committed to build a new diesel pipeline to link the deep water jetty at North Tees with the neighbouring Seal Sands terminal, further integrating these two facilities and increasing operational efficiencies for the benefit of all customers.
The acquisitions are scheduled to complete towards the end of the first quarter 2016.www.greenergy.comwww.macquarie.com
“Vianet Fuel Solutions is a natural fit for the Wayne business as it helps further our goal to offer fuel management capabilities to our customers,” said Neil Thomas, chief executive officer at Wayne Fueling Systems.
“The Vianet business already has existing customers in the UK, has a knowledgeable team, and has competitive and comprehensive fuel management services which complements our product and services offerings,” added Neil.
The UK-based Vianet Fuel Solutions (VFS) includes two main product lines as part of the Wayne acquisition: Fuel Management Services (FMS) and Construction Forecourt Services (CFS).
FMS is comprised of real-time wet stock management, asset management and compliance monitoring services. CFS aligns with Wayne’s current UK services business, although provides additional provisions including construction and electrical compliance services and tank lining.
“Over the past two years, Vianet has made significant commercial progress and has established a strong reputation in the UK forecourt sector. This transaction recognises the value which has been created,” noted James Dickson, chairman of Vianet Group plc.
“Whilst it will be sad to say farewell to the VFS team, I’m pleased that there’s a great fit with Wayne who will take VFS to the next stage of development and growth. This is a competitive landscape increasingly dominated by major global players such as Wayne.”
The closure of the acquisition is anticipated to occur in first quarter of 2016.
The StocExpo conference programme attracts the movers and shakers in the bulk liquid storage industry
After two years in Rotterdam, StocExpo returns to Antwerp Expo next year – the three-day event for the bulk liquid storage industry takes place on 15 –17th March.
“We’re delighted to have strong industry support from the Belgian and Dutch tank storage associations, BATO and VOTOB plus the Port of Antwerp is on board as official port supporter,” said Nick Powell, StocExpo & Tank Storage portfolio event manager.
StocExpo 2016 is the platform on which many exhibitors will launch new technologies and concepts and make major announcements. Over 150 companies from right across the tank storage supply chain have already signed-up including Scully Systems, CTS Netherlands BV, Mercon Steel Structures BV, Emerson Process Management, J. de Jonge Flowsystems BV, Emco Wheaton and Endress + Hauser.
“StocExpo is one of the shows we look forward most to attending,” said Loadtec’s marketing manager Angeline Radley. “StocExpo goes a long way in helping Loadtec establish critical business relationships with partners and customers alike. It remains unrivalled in terms of the reach and exposure to our current and potential customers in the European storage market.”
Day one of the 2016 conference programme will cover market analysis, day two will look at opportunities and finance with day three focusing on innovative technology. There will also be sessions dedicated to the international market, particularly focusing on storage developments in the US and Middle East.
Among those sharing insights and experience at the conference will be Vopak, the Port of Antwerp, National Bank of Belgium and Zeeland Sea Ports; the full speaker line-up will be announced fully in the coming weeks.StocExpo 2016
15 – 17 March 2016
Antwerp Expo
Antwerpwww.easyfairs.com/events_216/stocexpo-antwerp-2016_74791/stocexpo-antwerp-2016_75090/news-press_75105/testimonials_77407/
Assist Resourcing Group and its national logistics training business, System Training, opened a new driver training and test centre in Widnes last month.
Dave Dargan, CEO of the Assist Resourcing Group said the company is investing to provide the skilled drivers that Britain’s transport industry needs.
“Our new System Training centre in Widnes will provide a springboard for the enhanced delivery of our driver services to regional and national businesses /organisations. With a growing team of experts and the inclusion of additional training capacity, we’re playing our part in driving up standards and addressing the national driver shortage.”
The facility consists of a suite of three specially designed classrooms, an outside manoeuvring area, a fleet of LGV training vehicles as well as a team of experienced instructors enabling candidates to gain the required skills, experience and certifications for a career in driving commercial vehicles of all sizes.
The centre is also a DVSA approved test centre where individuals will be able to undertake training and take their LGV driving test as an integrated package thus helping relieve the current bottleneck on test availability.
This investment by Assist greatly increases its capability to grow its own driver pool and offer more professionally trained LGV drivers to its customers.
System Training is running a number of specially designed programmes to train people to become LGV drivers. These programmes include its Warehouse to Wheels scheme, which aims to train more than 100 warehouse staff a year to become drivers.
The new Driving Ambition programme will also be available, opening up more opportunities for local unemployed people to retrain as part of an intensive eight-week course to be ready for work as drivers.
Working in partnership with a number of employers System Training also provides a young persons Driving Goods Vehicle apprenticeship programme which enables a young person over a 12-month period to acquire their LGV licence and be trained and gain experience of being a professional driver.
System Training is one of the UK’s leading logistics training providers. It works with logistics and utility companies, military and government departments, local authorities, national corporations and small businesses as well as the self-employed.
www.system-training.com
Ian Jackson – ‘chuffed to bits to be driving around in the Gulf livery’
A Gulf customer living at Denny in Falkirk has won the star prize – a brand new Mini Cooper – in Gulf’s recent forecourt promotion.
Liveried in the iconic blue and orange Gulf branding, Ian Jackson collected the car from Haugh’s Filling Station in Denny, where his winning entry was purchased.
To enter the competition, Ian purchased £25 of fuel, after which he entered his receipt details into the competition website.
“I’ve never won anything before so, when I received the call initially, I almost didn’t believe it,” said Ian.
“Haugh’s is my local filling station, just half a mile from my home, which I drive past on the way into work. Once the competition opened, I changed my usual £50 weekly refuel to a £25 twice-weekly refill, just so I could enter multiple times. I’m so pleased that I didn’t throw away the receipt, as I wouldn’t own this car if I had! I’ll be chuffed to bits driving around in the Gulf livery; I’ll be the only person in the country with a car like this, which is pretty special.”
Colin Levy, retail operations manager at Certas Energy commented:
“It’s one of the perks of my job to notify a customer that they’ve won a fantastic prize such as this. Everyone working at Haugh’s is chuffed that the winning fuel receipt was purchased at their site. A big ‘thank you’ also goes to Londis which generously donated a superb hamper to Ian.
Pictured at Dublin Airport – Lynn Drumgoole from Retail Excellence Ireland , Paul Candon, group corporate services director at Topaz and Goal CEO Barry Andrews
Drop in centres at over 300 Topaz service stations across Ireland have played their part in the collection of over two tonnes of essential items for the Goal charity’s Syrian Appeal.
Topaz, recently acquired by Canadian company Couche-Tard, was partnered in the initiative by a number of organisations including the daa, which manages Cork and Dublin airports, Masterlink Logistics and Retail Excellence Ireland. The blankets and quilts, warm jackets, waterproof boots, clothes and sleeping bags which were collected were then flown to Istanbul on a Turkish Airlines flight.
Paul Candon, Topaz Group corporate services director said the initiative had received wonderful support from the public.
“The conflict in Syria is causing untold hardship for the citizens of that country. This aid will go directly to the refugee camps where it is needed most. We would like to thank all the people who donated so generously as well as our staff and dealers who facilitated the collection of the aid throughout our network. We were delighted to support this excellent initiative and wish Goal well with their vital work in Syria.”
“By providing this assistance we have ensured that at least some of the many millions of Syrian families displaced from their homes by conflict will stay warm as the cold winter months approach,” said Barry Andrews, Goal CEO.
The general public can still support GOAL’s appeal through its website www.goalglobal.org
The awards ceremony celebrated the achievements of the best tank farms and terminals from over 100 nominated companies. Finalists and winners can be found at www.oilterminal.org/nominations-2015
Major oil companies across Russia and Europe attended last month’s 10th Congress on the trading and transportation of crude oil, LPG and petroleum products in St. Petersburg.
More than 300 representatives of the government, business and analyst communities attended the strategic congress with more than 150 people attending Tank Farms and Oil Terminals: from advanced design to efficient operations. There were large delegations of technical experts with the speakers’ panel featuring 35 technical representatives from oil terminals, tank farms, regulators, environmentalists, experts on ecology and industrial safety companies.
Given the complexity of the political situation in the world, participants in the strategic congress – Transneft, Gazpromneft, Chernomortransneft, Port Kozmino port of Primorsk and Ust-Luga Oil – discussed their development strategy.
Stressing the importance of having not only the support of government bodies but also an efficient interaction of a public-private partnerships, state operator Rosmorport spoke of port infrastructure investment projects in the north west Russia.
Taking the opportunity to share the latest insights into trading opportunities in the era of cheap oil were the popular trader debates with representatives from Bashneft, St Petersburg International Commodity Exchange, Transneft and Sun Light Petroleum.
The development of oil and gas transportation and the complexity of marine and river transportation were discussed by representatives from Prime Shipping and Palmali.http://www.oilterminal.org/en
For a chance to win an unforgettable holiday in California, simply fill up with £25 worth of fuel at a participating Gulf forecourt before 31 January 2016.
Having bought the fuel, using the detail on your fuel receipt, visit the www.gulfoil.co.uk/winaholiday then enter the transaction reference (receipt number), plus your name, email address, postcode and contact number. Alternatively text your fuel transaction reference and the word GULFHOLIDAY to 78070. Standard mobile rates apply.
“What a great tonic for these winter months!” said retail director Ramsay MacDonald.
“Following on from our win a car promotion it shows how we’re targeting brand recognition and loyalty with drivers. It gives our dealer network the opportunity to give something back to their customers and will make one lucky customer extremely happy indeed.”
The composition of the trip will be at the discretion of the winner – perhaps Yosemite National Park, the Golden Gate Bridge and the body-building Mecca at Muscle Beach, Los Angeles – your choice up to the value of £6,000. The random draw to select the winner will take place on 8 February 2016.
To find out which Gulf forecourts are taking part go to www.gulfoil.co.uk/winaholiday.
“We would like to see government harness the power of OFTEC technicians by including them in the roll out of future energy policies,” said Jeremy Hawksley.
After a ‘very positive’ meeting with Dr Dan Poulter, deputy chairman of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee last month, OFTEC has submitted recommendations that focus on ‘incentivising solutions that are simple, affordable to install and offer competitive running costs’.
With ‘a strong vision and the required resources to deliver a well-planned entry into the market,’ Essar’s first branded site at Coalville in Leicestershire will be quickly followed by more sites
Last month Essar Oil UK became the newest entrant into the UK fuel retail sector when, in association with HKS Retail, its first branded service station opened in Leicestershire.
The site in Coalville has undergone a complete corporate rebrand and is the first of many Essar service stations planned across the country. Contracts for other retail sites have already been agreed and these will be rolled out over the coming months.
This is the first time the company, which owns and operates the Stanlow oil refinery, has supplied product directly to a site branded under its own company colours. The refinery has supplied the major retail brands with high quality products for over half a century and currently produces 15% of all transport fuels used in the UK.
“This is a significant step forward and part of our plans to add value to our UK business,” said SB Prasad, chief commercial officer for retail at Essar Oil UK.
“We’ve worked hard to deliver a distinctive brand, competitive commercial offering and the best possible customer support. HKS Retail has worked with all the major retail brands, so this is a real sign of their confidence in Essar and we look forward to further strengthening this relationship.”
Commercial business manager at Essar Oil UK, Bryan Hayes explained: “Essar have brought a very clear, honest and straightforward offer to dealers in the UK, supplying quality products from our Stanlow refinery at value prices.
“We aim to build our network quickly over the coming months and are looking to talk with potential new dealers to see how we can work together to further develop their businesses.”
Shane Thakrar, chief executive HKS Retail said: “We feel the Essar brand has a strong vision and the required resources to deliver a well-planned entry into the market. The new branding is refreshing and welcoming to consumers, whom have commented favourably on the site’s new look.”
The Essar Group already has significant expertise in the retail sector with about 1,700 Essar-branded retail outlets in India, with another ~1,900 under various stages of implementation.
The global Essar Group has annual revenues of $35 billion, with operations in 29 countries and over 60,000 employees worldwide.
“The introduction of the requirement for presentation of a tank integrity certificate at PSV would be a major step forward in improving compliance with the current legislation,” says David Blevings
Members of the Northern Ireland Oil Federation (NIOF) believe that a number of fuel tankers are not subjected to periodic inspection of tanks and this is a major issue of public safety.
“There are upwards of 700 fuel tankers in Northern Ireland,” says NIOF director David Blevings.
“To make sure vehicles are safe and fit for purpose, there’s a plethora of legislation. BUT, this legislation is split between the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Department of Environment (DOE), the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVTA) and the Health & Safety Executive (NI) HSENI.
“Tank testing is HSENI’s responsibility and NIOF members would argue that compliance with legislation, and indeed enforcement, is not even-handed across Northern Ireland. For complaint companies this results in higher running costs and provides opportunities for misuse by those not receiving visits and checks by the various agencies.
“Current goods vehicle testing is carried out by DVTA and focuses on the vehicle chassis, cab and running gear but excludes an inspection of the tank. The standard Public Service Vehicle (PSV) test does not focus on the tank and a valid PSV certificate can be currently issued in Northern Ireland without a valid tank certificate!
“Our members believe that a number of vehicles are therefore not subjected to periodic tank inspection and this is a major issue for public safety. It is our desire that there should be a level playing field for all distributors and it would be beneficial if these vehicles/owners were identified and made to comply.”
Managing director Simon Ahearne says SA1 Solutions has invested heavily in improving and upgrading the emtoo package
A new App designed to save its users even more time and money has been launched by emtoo.
The bespoke business management software package was first developed by Business Systems Services (BSS) almost 10 years ago. Two years ago BSS and its products were acquired by IT and communications company SA1 Solutions. Managing director Simon Ahearne says the company has “subsequently invested heavily in improving and upgrading the package and one of the outcomes of this has been the development of the App.”
“When offsite the App allows users to access the system via a smart phone or tablet computer. This means they can immediately make updates, synchronising data and limiting unnecessary paperwork.
The software platform is already used by Guernsey Petroleum Distributors, Petroleum Distributors (Jersey) and Gas 4 Wales together with new client Oil 4 Wales which recently acquired Powys Petroleum.
“emtoo software has dramatically lessened our administration time,” says John Cherry at Powys Petroleum. The new App means that our people out on the road can get the job done a lot quicker with all information on deliveries automatically updated across all systems.”
Emmet O’Neill, chief executive, Topaz (l) with Brian Hannasch, president and chief executive officer of Alimentation, Couche-TardJohnny Bambury-Fennell Photography
Subject to the usual regulatory approvals and closing conditions Ireland’s largest convenience and fuel retailer, Topaz Energy Group, is to be acquired by the publicly quoted Canadian company Alimentation Couche-Tard.
The company will join a publicly quoted business with a worldwide network of 15,000 convenience stores and service stations. Topaz CEO describes last week’s deal, which is expected to close in spring 2016, as a game-changer for the retail sector.
The Topaz network includes 464 service stations, 162 of which are company-owned and a commercial fuels operation with over 30 depots. The business employs over 2,000 people across the island of Ireland.
“The last two years have been a period of phenomenal development and improvement for Topaz,” said chairman John Callaghan
“We’ve established a well-capitalised group of growing businesses which, with the recent amalgamation of Esso in Ireland, is the undoubted industry leader. We know Couche-Tard will build on the foundations we’ve put in place and bring a new dimension to the industry in Ireland to the benefit of the economy, our customers and our staff.”
Emmet O’Neill, Topaz chief executive said: “Couche-Tard is one of the strongest names in retail in the world and their presence in Ireland will transform the retail sector here.
Leading the company’s bid for ISO 17025 accreditation were quality assurance manager, Phil Saunders and regulatory affairs manager, Caroline Walton
Following a thorough UKAS evaluation of its laboratory’s quality management system, Morris Lubricants has become the first lubricants blender in the UK to achieve ISO 17025.
“This is the single most important international standard for calibration and testing laboratories,” said Phil Saunders, quality assurance manager.
“This accreditation demonstrates to our customers the professional competency of our laboratory and potentially creates an opening to develop new business as an internationally recognised testing centre for lubricants.
“A globally recognised standard, ISO 17025 will also support the continued growth of our export business.”
Gerald Malone at Thames Enterprise Park, the new chairman has considerable experience of energy at government level
Recently appointed as chairman and director of Fluid Oil, Gerald Malone is ‘fleshing out’ the company’s strategic objectives with the goal of a market listing in three to five years.
Based at Thames Enterprise Park on the site of the former Coryton refinery, Fluid Oil has successfully commissioned its latest Viscositor heavy oil upgrading demonstration reactor. This has replicated and surpassed the work completed on the reactors commissioned at the SINTEF Research Centre in Norway. Commercial plants are now being planned for the UK and other key heavy oil countries.
The 25-barrel per day demonstration plant conducted a number of tests including upgrading a 6API Orinoco crude to 25.5API at a liquid yield of 93.5%. The plant will now be used to undertake customer tests and provide engineering data required to build the first commercial plants which will be able to upgrade between 500bpd to 1,000bpd.
Viscositor – Fluid Oil’s environmentally friendly technology is predicted to process heavy crudes and dirty oils for between $2 to $5 /bbl with CAPEX of around 25% of the cost of traditional technologies.
Earlier this month, HKS Holdings completed its acquisition of the Leicestershire-based Brobot Group.
The family-owned group has acquired 30 filling stations in three months, taking its total number of sites to just under 60. Following the addition of 23 Brobot sites, the company now stretches from Yorkshire to Surrey; HKS expects annualised turnover to reach £250m, representing growth of over 150%.
Brobot was founded by John Bootle in 1978 with a single site at Thorpe Road, Melton Mowbray and expanded through acquisitions over the years. John Bootle died tragically early in 1996, following which Brobot continued its successful growth under the chairmanship of his wife, Pat Bootle and her dedicated executive directors, Bridget Smith and Eddie Bright; the latter said the sale was ‘a great fit’ and he wished HKS ‘every success.’
Earlier this year HKS was in 10th position in Forecourt Trader’s Top 50 Indies with Brobot in 11th place; recent acquisitions would now put HKS in 5th position.
“We’re delighted at the addition of the new locations,” said Shane Thakrar, chief executive at HKS Holdings.
“We’d like to extend our thanks to the Bootle family, Eddie Bright and Bridget Smith from Brobot for trusting us with the acquisition and taking these sites forward in the future. We look forward to welcoming the new members of our team on board to work alongside our existing committed team of individuals.”
HKS, which took the business of the year title at the Midlands Asian business awards, has recently signed a deal with SPAR to brand the majority of its forecourt retail units – Brobot is predominantly Londis – as well as concluding deals with Subway and Costa.
www.hksretail.co.uk
www.brobot.co.uk
www.brobotfuels.co.uk
Tony Smith brings over 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas sector to the Peel Gas and Oil team.
Peel Gas & Oil, a member of United Kingdom Onshore Oil and Gas (UKOOG) has expanded its team by appointing Tony Smith as commercial strategy manager.
Joining from SLR – where he led development of business strategy, including environmental services, relating to shale gas – Tony brings over 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas sector to the team.
Born in Bradford, Tony joined BP Research after gaining his PhD in oil degradation, kick-starting an accomplished career that would see him negotiate landmark gas contracts for ExxonMobil.
He will strengthen Peel Gas & Oil’s offer as an essential development partner to shale gas licence holders, helping to speed up delivery and de-risk investment via the company’s skills and assets in land, infrastructure and utilities.
“I’m extremely proud to be starting the next chapter of my career with Peel Gas & Oil,” said Tony.
“The commercial factors to getting an onshore industry off the ground are complex and require a collaborative approach. My experience of advising global clients on all aspects from sales and quality, to transportation and infrastructure will be a key aspect of my new role.”
Before joining Peel Gas & Oil, Tony also travelled the world during successful periods with Schlumberger and as a strategic adviser to some of the biggest players in the global gas market.
“Tony’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the industry and enviable experience of the market mean he will be a valued addition to our team,” said managing director Myles Kitcher.
“He joins us at an exciting time for the industry, as a swathe of new shale licences are due to be offered across the country. Our focus must now be to overcome the industry’s challenges and foster a connected approach that will deliver progress and stimulate a thriving supply chain in the UK.”
Earlier this year Peel Gas and Oil commissioned a study by AMION Consulting. The report Shale Gas – Creating a Supply Hub for the Bowland Shale – found that developing a supply hub in the Bowland Shale could see Northern economies benefit from a £30 billion boost. It also found that development of a supply chain to support the industry could also support 13,000 jobs – more than double the amount than without a supply hub. Download a copy at www.peelgasandoil.co.uk.www.peel.co.uk
Certas Energy vehicles are now equipped with ATEX-approved Hawk mobile computers from TouchStar Technologies
TouchStar Technologies has been working with Certas Energy to optimise its fuel delivery process.
Having grown organically and rapidly through acquisition, Certas Energy’s network of depots has grown. Finding there were multiple sites serving each region, the company reviewed its whole supply chain strategy.
The decision to implement in-vehicle technology was part of a wider strategic review with Certas Energy wanting to ensure its operation remained cost-effective, provided product on time and to agreed service levels.
“TouchStar and Certas Energy worked closely to define and implement a robust system capable of handling the transaction and delivery scenarios necessary for a service-driven heating oil distribution environment,” commented David Hauff, head of logistics services at Certas Energy.
“We anticipate a relatively short ROI based upon the genuine reduction in vehicle mileage and the administration associated with delivery errors. Of equal importance are the ‘softer’ benefits we have derived such as a delighted customer base.”
“I’m pleased to report that, six months after implementation, the system has met all of the key aims listed below:
• Reduction in paperwork by eradicating the need for delivery tickets
• Reduction in vehicle mileage
• Elimination of errors in delivery data via automation of updates
• Elimination of delays in delivery data via real-time transmission
• Increase in service levels through a more reactive service
• Optimisation of the scheduling process
TouchStar’s software application has been designed specifically around the requirements of a heating oil delivery process, handling the interfaces to the tachograph, various meter types, printer and navigation data. The system provides vehicle checks, loading instructions, delivery details and end of shift reports to HMRC approved standards.
In the vehicle TouchStar has supplied ATEX-approved Hawk mobile computers. The Hawk devices have a robust large screen interface for the driver that clearly presents delivery instructions and navigation guidance, as well as facilitating a signature capture option for customers. The live link between the driver and the back office facilitates the optimisation of the scheduling process by enabling a central view to be achieved leading to optimised fleet utilisation.www.touchstar.co.ukwww.certasenergy.co.uk
Paul Brown will help RE:Group to grow its fuel oils business with a particular focus on heavy users of heating oil
A specialist with 30 years’ chemicals and fuel industry experience has joined RE:Group (UK) as it continues to develop its industrial fuel oils division.
Paul Brown is the Hull-based company’s new industrial fuel sales manager and joins after 10 years as a waste management broker and solvent sales representative.
RE:Group, which has extensive experience in waste oil management and hydrocarbon recovery, currently handles more than 50 million litres of marine and industrial oil each year and sells specialist fuels to sectors such as brewing, food production, aggregates and abattoirs.
Commercial director Phil Evans said: “Paul has a wealth of relevant experience and has worked with a wide range of industries across Yorkshire, Lancashire and around the UK for many years. He has been brought on board to help us with the growth of our fuel oils business for a range of industries that are heavy users of heating oil.”
Paul began his career working in the stores of a chemicals company in Castleford, where he still lives. He then moved into the recycling industry working for several blue chip companies.
Paul’s appointment follows the retirement of fuel sales manager Derek Crossley, who has been with the company since 2012 and has enjoyed a 48-year career, including six years in the Royal Navy and 30 years in the fuel industry.
Established in 1996, RE:Group has three sites in Hull, including its new head office, and a collection site in North Lincolnshire. The company has in-house UKAS-accredited laboratories and invests significantly in research and development.www.regroup.uk.com
Lee Webb – a highly experienced engineer who will drive continuous improvement throughout Emco Wheaton’s factory
Lee Webb has been appointed as production manager at Emco Wheaton’s Margate plant in Kent.
“Lee is a highly experienced engineer with a wealth of experience,” said general manager Andrew Dawson-Goodey.
“His knowledge of operations and production within a manufacturing environment will further strengthen Emco Wheaton’s production facility as well as growing the company’s capabilities as customers’ requirements develop.
A graduate of the University of Warwick with an MSc in engineering business management and a post graduate award in manufacturing engineering systems, Lee joins Emco Wheaton from Cummins Power Generation, where his roles included, value stream transformation manager, senior manufacturing engineer/certified 6S green belt and operations manufacturing engineer.
“We’re delighted to welcome a production manager of Lee’s calibre to Emco Wheaton,” added Andrew.
Lee will be focusing on driving continuous improvement throughout the factory, to be able to deliver shorter cycle times and improve on time delivery.www.emcowheaton.com
(l-r) Jim Hunt and Kevin Kelleher who were involved in the production of Carbery Plastics’s first tank – a 1550L – 30 years ago, with Cal and Michael McCarthy beside the 650L Combi R – Carbery’s newest design
This month Carbery Plastics is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the launch of a brand new oil tank.
Over the last three decades, Carbery Plastics has embraced new design technology, developed a new generation of fuel tanks and welcomed the next generation of the McCarthy family to the business. The company’s 40-strong workforce is managed by an experienced team with a passion for rotational moulding.
Offering innovative fuel storage solutions and robust mobile fuel pumps, Carbery Plastics produces high quality oil tanks to European Standard EN13341 ensuring that tanks are fit for purpose. Not only does its oil tank range meet European Standards, all tanks are fully OFTEC registered.
Since the initial hand drawn designs of the company’s first oil tank, design techniques and technology have come on leaps and bounds. CAD has rapidly improved the design process allowing Carbery Plastics to simulate and modify designs more efficiently and more effectively whilst Finite Element Analysis tools enable the company to simulate the strain tanks must endure once in real world use.
Carbery Plastics has a strong presence in the agricultural and construction sectors across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Backed by design improvements and increasing knowledge of customer requirements, the company was quick to develop both single skin and bunded oil tanks; the latter now required for all commercial, industrial and institutional installations in Ireland and the UK.
To mark its 30th anniversary, Carbery Plastics is launching a new low capacity oil tank. The ultra-compact Carbery 650 Litre Combi R is ideal for customers seeking a smaller tank for security and cash flow reasons; it also works well for households with renewable technologies where oil demand is less.www.carberyplastics.com
Members of the Tuffa team celebrate their award winning success
Staffordshire-based Tuffa Tanks, which recently supplied an oil tank to the country’s National Memorial Arboretum, has been awarded the title of manufacturer of the year.
The award, which was in recognition of ‘the ever-growing manufacturing sector in Burton, South Derbyshire and Uttoxeter’ was given by the Burton Mail.
Looking for companies that had excelled in the manufacturing sector since July 2012, the judges considered all aspects of the manufacturing process including product design, testing, development, production, marketing, sales and overall business performance.
“This was one proud moment in the history of Tuffa,” said Charlie Goring.
“The years 2013-2015 saw some tremendous changes which were only possible through the hard work and dedication given by all the Tuffa team.
Illustrating the diverse list of Tuffa’s customers, a 1350SLB bunded oil tank was recently delivered to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire. The tank will supply a jumbo 200watt heater which warms a large outdoor marquee used for various events throughout the year.www.tuffa.co.uk
Launching CO Awareness month in Northern Ireland at the beginning of November
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Month has been running throughout November. In Northern Ireland, OFTEC has been warning householders of the dangers after an increasing number of incidents across the country this year.
Despite major growth in stove sales, many people are unaware of the connection between CO and fossil fuels. Research in the Republic of Ireland during its CO awareness week in September found that only 50% of consumers were aware of the potential risk from oil heating and just 40% for coal.
“It’s very important that householders understand the importance of checking their home heating systems annually,” said OFTEC Ireland manager David Blevings.
“An oil boiler should be serviced correctly by a qualified technician – a boiler clean will not give protection from a potential carbon monoxide threat. When conducting a boiler service, OFTEC technicians use a flue gas analyser as standard, which gives the boiler an efficiency rating; more importantly it checks for carbon monoxide spillage.
OFTEC is also establishing a new solid fuel register of qualified heating technicians and installers which clearly details those who have been specifically trained to safely install and maintain solid and multi-fuel stoves.
“People need to be aware of the dangers and ensure stoves are installed and maintained correctly,” added David. “If a flue is installed incorrectly this can lead to a fire starting in the attic or a carbon monoxide leak. Like all fuel burning appliances, stoves should only be installed by a competent person and then serviced at least once a year for optimum safety and peace of mind.”
Richard Meredith, chair of the CO safety group and head of gas safety at the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland said:
“Now in its third year, we’re delighted that OFTEC continues to support this initiative to highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide can kill and even low-level exposure over a long period can cause lasting damage to your health.”
“We would agree with OFTEC’s advice for consumers to ensure all fuel burning appliances – such as heaters, boilers and cookers – are serviced at least annually by a registered engineer. And, all chimneys and flues should be inspected annually and swept, if required, by a registered technician. As an additional precaution, you should also install an audible carbon monoxide alarm.”
“The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often difficult to diagnose as it mimics the symptoms of other common illnesses such as flu and headaches. Everyone should be aware of its dangers and know what measures to take to protect themselves and others.”watchout.hseni.gov.uk/
Staffordshire Fuels, a 32 million litres per year business based at Stone has been acquired by NWF Fuels; a move that will increase the latter’s volume by 8%.
Staffordshire Fuels, which was established in 1996, operates a fleet of seven tankers and will continue to operate as a standalone fuel depot.
Richard Whiting, the NWF Group’s chief executive said: “The acquisition is in line with our growth strategy, increases our penetration in Staffordshire and the West Midlands and will be earnings enhancing in the first full year.”
Both companies operate as longstanding JET-branded authorised distributors.
“Phillips 66 is a long-term fuel supplier to both Staffordshire Fuels and NWF Fuels,” said Mary Wolf, managing director of Phillips 66 UK & Ireland Marketing.
“NWF Fuels has been a JET branded distributor since 1996 and it’s fantastic to see the company continue to go from strength to strength over the years. Just last year Phillips 66 joined NWF Fuels in celebrating the opening of the company’s new Mansfield depot, the latest fuel distribution depot in its strategic expansion plan. The Mansfield depot is supplied by our Humber Refinery.
“We would also like to acknowledge the great relationship we’ve had with Staffordshire Fuels over the many years we’ve been working together. We now look forward to building on our relationship with NWF Fuels as the business continues to develop its presence in Staffordshire and the West Midlands following the acquisition of Staffordshire Fuels.”
www.nwf.co.uk
www.staffsfuels.co.uk