Brenntag UK Takes Delivery of Unique Volvo Drawbar.

This specially specified Volvo FM13 6x2 rigid combines operational flexibility, driver comfort and safety to support Brenntag’s specialist chemical distribution requirements.

Brenntag UK Limited, a long-standing customer of Thomas Hardie Commercials in Middlewich, has taken delivery of a unique Volvo FM13 6x2 rigid sleeper cab, complete with new drawbar equipment.

The vehicle represents the culmination of almost two years of detailed discussions and planning, originally undertaken with Mark Lingard prior to his retirement. The team at Thomas Hardie Commercials is delighted to see the project completed and the finished vehicle delivered to Brenntag.

As a global leader in chemical distribution, Brenntag continually invests in its operations and logistics to deliver the highest standards of safety, driver comfort, efficiency and reliability, while ensuring its fleet capabilities evolve in line with customer requirements. The opportunity to supply this specialist rigid and drawbar combination is particularly significant, with the bespoke unit expanding Brenntag’s already comprehensive range of delivery solutions.

The new Volvo FM13 has been designed and specified to meet the high demands of Brenntag’s specialist transport operations.

The vehicle features a 3.9-metre wheelbase and is powered by a 13-litre Volvo engine rated at 460 hp. It is equipped with Volvo’s I-Shift automated gearbox, incorporating long-haul fuel and economy software, alongside Volvo Engine Brake+ technology, providing up to 375 kW of braking power.

Further specification enhancements include upgraded communications equipment, forward-facing and side-view camera systems, and additional driver comfort options.

Together, these features provide a carefully considered package designed to support the safe and efficient movement of bulk liquid chemicals while meeting the practical demands of day-to-day operations.

The new vehicle will be used specifically to support assignments for customers with demanding access requirements which currently presents a particular operational challenge.

Given these constraints, careful consideration was required throughout the planning and specification process to ensure the vehicle and drawbar combination could operate effectively within the available space.

As part of this process, Thomas Hardie Commercials’ Fleet Solutions Manager carried out advance access checks to help establish the suitability of the proposed vehicle for the intended operating environments.

The delivery highlights the value of close collaboration between Brenntag and Thomas Hardie Commercials, bringing together detailed operational planning, specialist vehicle specification and an understanding of the customer's unique requirements.

Maintenance will be provided under a Volvo Repair & Maintenance (R&M) contract, with servicing carried out overnight and at weekends by Thomas Hardie Commercials at its Middlewich depot. This arrangement is designed to help minimise vehicle downtime and support the demands of Brenntag’s operations.

Thomas Hardie Commercials is proud to have supported Brenntag with this distinctive vehicle and to have brought a long-standing project to completion.

The finished Volvo FM13 is a testament to the importance of customer collaboration and tailored transport solutions, demonstrating how the right specification and careful planning can help address even the most challenging operational requirements.