Skelmersdale-based Fairbanks acquired by OPW

Skelmersdale-based wetstock management firm Fairbanks has been acquired by American fluid handling company OPW.

Fairbanks has been providing fuel management services to independent retailers, hypermarket chains and multi-national companies for over two decades and in recent years, their global presence has seen significant growth, with them monitoring 13,000 forecourts in 35 countries.

OPW is recognised around the world as an end-to-end supplier of equipment and solutions for the downstream petroleum sector, with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Brazil, China and India and sales offices around the world.

Fairbanks and OPW aim to create new business opportunities together in their partnership.

The firm will gain access to a vast industry network with many avenues for growth, whilst OPW’s commitment to further develop Fairbanks, both in the UK and internationally, will help them to expand its global footprint.

Fairbanks will continue to operate as a separate entity.

Steve Jones, co-founder of Fairbanks, said: “Today’s announcement is an important milestone for Fairbanks as we join forces with OPW; the power of this major brand name will help to significantly boost our profile within the industry. This union promises an exciting future as we embark on the next stage of the Fairbanks journey.”

Antoine Soulier, newly appointed managing director of Fairbanks said: “Fairbanks is excited to join the OPW team. With its global footprint, OPW provides a great opportunity to expand Fairbanks’ products and services into new markets and regions.”