INDUSTRY VOICE
A reliable and secure supply
JOHN REGAN , SALES DIRECTOR AT THE PRAX GROUP , BRINGS US UP TO DATE WITH THE GROUPS STRATEGIC IMPERATIVES THAT WILL ENSURE THAT BOTH CURRENT AND FUTURE SUPPLY NEEDS OF CUSTOMERS ARE MET .
With this issue considering the future shape of the industry and focusing on the topic of acquisition activity in the sector , we revisit the Prax Group which successfully acquired the Lindsey Oil Refinery in March of this year . Headquartered in London , this British multinational independent oil refining , trading , storage , distribution and retail conglomerate has gained a well-deserved reputation of excellence through its ability to deliver innovative customer solutions across the world and is committed to maintaining this . Forwardthinking in its approach , the group ’ s success over the course of the past two decades has been achieved through its entrepreneurial spirit , dynamic team and lean structure . With a stated aim of being best in class in every aspect of its business we spoke with John Regan to get an update on the long-term strategy of this leading presence in the global oil market .
Ensuring supply needs are met In order to continue to meet its stated commitment to excellence , and to ensure that the supply needs of its customers can be met both now and in the future , in March of this year the Prax Group successfully acquired Lindsey Oil Refinery , located five miles from
18 Fuel Oil News | August 2021 the Humber Estuary in North Killingholme , along with its associated logistic assets . The acquisition will bring new investment to the refinery and underlines the Prax Group ’ s determination to support the local economy and the wider community .
The Prax Group ’ s long-term strategy is to be fully integrated across the oil value chain from upstream to downstream . Acquiring the refinery and its associated assets was a natural progression for the Group , as it provides the opportunity to integrate the refinery and its associated product flows into the company ’ s UK distribution and retail footprint , which operates under the Harvest Energy brand . This will create unique opportunities for synergies with existing Prax-owned assets , as well as demonstrating an ongoing commitment to building a reliable and secure supply chain to meet the needs of its customers for many years to come .
To oversee operations on site , the Prax Group appointed Luc Smets as general manager of the refinery . Luc confirmed that the acquisition “ provides an opportunity to close a gap in the supply chain ,” which is achieved due to the fact that , “ the Prax Group has control of the refinery ’ s oil products output , trading , and logistics — with the Finaline pipeline , rail loading , truck loading , and terminals .”
A nimble response to customer needs Logistics is a key factor in terms of how the refinery will operate going forwards . “ Our logistics assets are very attractive ,” commented John Regan , sales director . “ In some ways , they are as important as the refinery ’ s production capacity . We are able to move products at a very low cost in every direction — to Grangemouth , Jarrow or London , for example . These assets include the Finaline pipeline and shares in the Buncefield oil depot , which are crucial to deliver jet fuel to Heathrow , but also other products to the Greater London area . The Group ’ s structure means that it is both flexible and nimble , so we can move quickly to respond to any opportunities as they arise .”
This includes being responsive to the individual needs of their customers . “ At the Prax Group , we are resolutely service-orientated , and we really value relationships ,” John explained . “ Our focus is always our customers , whoever and wherever they may be . Some distributors may wish to pick up product by rail and ship , rather than road , and the refinery