Albion Chemicals replace all their fleet with Volvo

To service its nationwide network of 14 depots, Cheshire-based Albion Chemicals has added their 32nd Volvo FM tractor unit to a fleet now made up entirely of Volvo Trucks.

The company, part of the Brenntag Group – a leading global distributor of chemical products and services - are the UK’s market leaders in operator-owned chemicals supply-logistics services. Over the past two years they have gradually replaced other marques in their fleet, so that now the fleet is completely made up of Volvo FM-480 trucks, supplied from their local Volvo Truck dealership, Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd of Middlewich.

Fleet Engineer and Facilities manager, Colin Woodward explained that, “Along with pleasing MPG results, and an exceptional back-up service, our drivers have been one of the major influences in converting our fleet to all-Volvo.”

He added, “The majority of our drivers enjoy driving Volvo vehicles and didn’t want us to purchase another marque.”

As the company handles a range of industrial strength chlor-alkalis, as well as sulphuric acid, chlorine and sodium hypochlorite products, vehicle safety and reliability has always been paramount in the purchasing decision. As a consequence, safety features on the new Volvo FMs including the I-Shift fully automated gearbox and the integrated, hands-free phone system have become essential standard features on Albion Chemicals’ fleet.

Colin explained, “Managing around 50,000 road tanker deliveries and over a million tonnes of product per year, health and safety is paramount to our business.”

Similar to the rest of Albion Chemicals fleet, the company’s latest batch of 16 Volvo FM tractors are all 480bhp, 13-litre, 6x2 tractor units plated for 44 tonnes GCW, specified with a Globetrotter cab in ‘Comfort’ trim.

The trucks were purchased on 5-year repair and maintenance contracts from Mark Lingard, Regional Sales Manager at Thomas Hardie’s Middlewich Depot. Colin commented, “Over the past two years we have built an exceptional working relationship with Thomas Hardie Commercials.” Adding that, “We work very closely with Thomas Hardie’s sales, service, and aftermarket departments to ensure our vehicles consistently operate at optimum levels.”