Rix Petroleum expands fleet to over 100 with £2m investment

A Spalding company has invested nearly £2 million to strengthen its position as a stalwart in the region’s fuel distribution sector after purchasing its 100th tanker.

Rix Petroleum Ltd, based in Welland Business Park, Clay Lane, has acquired 10 state-of-the-art DAF tankers, which will replace ageing vehicles and bolster the fleet to meet burgeoning demand.

Scheduled for delivery in March, the tankers embark on a unique journey before reaching the UK.

The process involves a transcontinental voyage as the tankers, manufactured in the UK, undergo a transformation in Santander, Spain, courtesy of the family-owned company Cobo.

Duncan Lambert, managing director of Rix Petroleum, explains: "Essentially, we buy the chassis from DAF, and these are then loaded onto a boat and shipped to Spain where they are converted into Rix trucks by Cobo."

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Cobo equips the tanker with metering systems, eight CCTV cameras, and a computer system that integrates with their delivery software.

Moreover, the tankers undergo a vibrant branding makeover to align with Rix Petroleum's identity.

With a capacity of 18,600 litres spread across five compartments, these tankers offer versatility, enabling the transportation of various fuels in a single trip.

Mr Lambert emphasises the rationale behind selecting Cobo for this critical task, citing their “passion for quality and delivery lead times”.

"Cobo lives and breathes tankers. They’re also a family business, as is Rix, so they understand our values and commitment to delivering on time, every time," Mr Lambert added.

The company states that this partnership underscores Rix Petroleum's dedication to efficiency and excellence, highlighting the synergy between family-owned enterprises.