SPECIALITY chemicals producer Christeyns UK Ltd has bought its first tanker and is testing the new start-of-the-art vehicle which is set to streamline deliveries by its construction products division at its Bradford base.

The Belgian-owned firm has invested around £220,000 in the multi-compartment tanker and cab which is capable of carrying 30,000 litres of products.

The vehicle is Christeyns first tanker purchase and will be used by its construction chemicals division Oscrete Construction Products. The tanker is currently at Christeyns Bradford headquarters on Rutland Street undergoing final testing and risk assessment checks and will be on the road by mid April .

Oscrete currently carries out bulk deliveries using a standard rigid lorry. The new tanker will enable the company to offer a much quicker and more efficient service, which will also provide health and safety benefits for the driver and delivery teams.

To meet the company’s drive to make the working environment safer, the tanker has a fully enclosed double handrail and brake interlock and is designed for ground level operation to boost operator safety.

Richard Boardman, Christeyns logistics manager, said: “Our reputation is based not only on our products but on the service we provide to our customers. The arrival of our new Oscrete tanker will have a huge impact on the distribution side of our business allowing us to offer an even better level of service.

"We will be able to optimize transport scheduling within geographical areas, reduce delivery frequency and be much more pro-active. The investment made in this tanker will ensure we can meet growing demands and keep ahead of the game.”

Two project teams have been preparing for the tanker's delivery, working on logistical planning of how it will run, on-site loading and unloading and how the tanker will work around existing operations.

The Oscrete concrete division manufactures a range of additives, waterproofing agents and efflorescence controllers for clients across the concrete industry. The company also has highly trained technical support staff to help customers innovate and continually develop their own products .

Christeyns UK is among entrants for the 2016 T&A Bradford Means Business Awards seeking to win the Manufacturer of the Year title after being runner-up last year.

Nick Garthwaite, managing director, said: We came runner-up in the same category last year. If we believe our business model is correct, then success comes. "

The awards are on June 11 at the Aagrah Midpoint Suite, Thornbury.