Although its previous patch covered the South West and Wales, in recognition of its good service, the company was appointed to cover the Midlands region as well.
This time, though, Chemical Corporation has incorporated a new system for dispensing its products, which represents a major step forward in terms of both health and safety, and productivity.
Rather than employing tankers, Chemical Corporation transports its lubricants in 1,000-litre IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) – the new Actros carries up to 14 of these. This gives the operator the flexibility it needs to handle orders of different products in smaller volumes, and to carry additional items such as barrels of grease.
It also means the trucks can be used to support other parts of the business. For example, Chemical Corporation provides a nationwide service to US-owned Sage Oil Vac, for which it distributes the pumping equipment and lubricants needed to undertake rapid oil exchanges on offshore and onshore wind turbines.
Drivers of Chemical Corporation’s previous vehicles have had to access their vehicle beds to connect the hoses and dispense lubricants from the IBCs. Its new truck, by contrast, features a new concept, which allows the necessary connections to be made, and the pump operated, from ground level – the Alpeco pumping system is housed beneath the vehicle floor, as are three hose reels which are colour-coded to prevent cross-contamination.
Operations director Steve Stewart explains: “Over and above the cost of the chassis, we’ve invested some £50,000 on fitting and equipping the body of our new Actros. That’s significantly more than we’ve committed in the past, but it’s money well spent. The pumps were previously mounted on the beds, which ate into our carrying capacity, while the fact that the driver no longer has to climb on top of the tanks to make the connections eliminates any risk of a fall from height. To further enhance safety, we’ve also added a full complement of cameras.”
Chemical Corporation bought the 26-tonne 2533 Actros, featuring 326hp 10.7-l engine and steering rear axle from South Wales dealer Euro Commercials.
UPDATED 1 May 11:41: Changed title from 'Actros oils the wheels of success for Chemical Corporation'