As part of our commitment to our sustainable strategy, Primeline Group is implementing the usage of HVO fuels on Ashbourne-based vehicles starting in Q1 2024 with continuing rollout throughout 2024.

What is HVO Biofuel?

HVO, or hydrotreated vegetable oil, is the next generation of low-carbon diesel. It is derived from non-food grade crops, excess animal fats from food manufacturing, spent cooking oils, and tall oil. In a broader sense, biofuel is an energy source that is renewable and derived from algae, plants, or animals.

HVO fuels are now a practical option to help cut emissions from diesel vehicles and industries as the globe moves toward more environmentally friendly methods to slow down climate change and save the environment. It has nearly no sulphur or aromatics content and is categorized as a paraffinic fuel, an emerging category of cleaner transportation fuel.

Primeline and HVO Biofuel

With nearly 300 trucks in the Primeline fleet, our business relies heavily upon diesel engines using the European standard EN590 diesel. HVO fuel is an excellent solution to tackling emissions as it is interchangeable with the diesel that we currently use, allowing us to implement it instantly without changing our current assets and infrastructure. This results in a faster transition from fossil fuels and an immediate drop in carbon emissions emitted from our Ashbourne-based vehicles. A complete rollout across scope 1 is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Our Sustainability Strategy

The move to HVO biofuel at Primeline comes in combination with multiple other efforts included in our sustainability strategy. All of our sites across Ireland have moved to certifiable renewable energy contracts. We have also invested €1.2m into the installation of two 460kw solar PV plants, one of which was completed in 2023 with the other being installed in 2024. These efforts will combine to achieve Primeline’s long-term sustainability goals of carbon neutrality by 2035.

Primeline Group has taken a majority shareholding in Global Cargo Solutions (GCS), which is based in Northern Ireland. The deal allows Primeline Group to further expand its existing business network in Northern Ireland, the UK and Europe and to benefit from having access to an experienced management team in Northern Ireland.

GCS was founded in 2016 and provides full-load freight between the UK and Ireland as well as bespoke logistics solutions using specialised equipment. The family-run business employs 100 people and runs a fleet of 80 trucks across its depots in Northern Ireland and in Burton-on-Trent in England.

Primeline Group currently employs over 900 colleagues and has its headquarters in Ashbourne, Co Meath. Its fleet makes over 10,000 deliveries to more than 7500 outlets around Ireland each week.  The Group has developed its logistics network to ensure it covers every town in Ireland every day.

CEO of Primeline Group Tim Cummins says the GCS acquisition is an excellent move for the company: “The GCS team runs a profitable business that’s become a leading provider of freight solutions across a really impressive network of customers. Integrating their fleet of trucks and 200 trailers will be a real asset to the continued growth of our business. Although GCS is a relatively new company, we know that its founder Andy has a lifetime of experience in the sector and that has been key to its success so far. I’m delighted we’ve reached agreement and look forward to working together to build on their success to date”.

MD of GCS Andrew J Woolsey says the agreement is a positive one for his team too: “I set out to build a customer-driven business, providing people with professional, tailor-made transport options. Through the hard work and dedication of our team – including several of my own family members – we have achieved that and more. GCS has delivered over 200,000 loads in its lifetime and thanks to this deal with Primeline Group, our valued customers will continue to benefit from a service that respects them and cares for their goods. I’m also happy that  our staff can be reassured that we’re part of a larger team which has values that align with our own and puts us in a great position to grow further”.

Another benefit of the deal for Primeline Group is the in-house customs clearance that GCS operates. GCS currently process declarations for GB to NI, GB to ROI and ROI to GB deliveries. Primeline can use this to further improve their integral logistics network by minimising delays and errors in navigating the complexities of customs procedures. By handling this process internally, Primeline can ensure direct control over acquiring and managing essential procedures for cross-border movements.

Global Cargo Solutions (GCS) website : Global Cargo Solutions (globalcargosolutionsgcs.com)

Primeline has completed the construction of two new warehousing facilities located behind the existing properties in Ashbourne Business Park. The new development is comprised of two warehouse units that come to an impressive 360,000 sq. ft in total. The bigger of two will take the title for the largest Irish-owned net zero energy distribution centre in Ireland. The development also includes:

• The extension of the internal estate road and provision of internal access/egress spurs and pedestrian access.
• 151 car parking spaces and bicycle parking.
• 58 HGV parking spaces and HGV marshalling yards.
• 5-level access goods doors and 24 dock levellers.
• ESB substation.
• Sprinkler tank and pump house.
• HVO tank
• Boundary treatments, hard and soft landscaping and all associated site development works above and below ground.

Primeline has been working closely with Castlebrowne contractors to achieve LEED Silver certification for the development. LEED-certified buildings are critical to addressing climate change and meeting ESG goals, enhancing resilience, and supporting more equitable communities. LEED is a holistic system that doesn’t simply focus on one building element, such as energy, water or health. Instead, it looks at the big picture, factoring in all critical elements that work together to create the best building possible.

Upon completion of the property, over 400 new jobs will be created less than ten minutes from Ashbourne’ s Centre. A fantastic opportunity to work for Ireland’s largest logistics, merchandising and retail support company. For more information and to keep up to date with news and careers please follow us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/primeline-group/