The new vehicle, which will be used to supply waste wood to biomass plants across the UK, will also be named Elizabeth, in recognition of the late Queen who was head of the UK’s armed forces for over 70 years.
The UK’s largest supplier of waste wood to biomass fuel says around 10% of its staff are ex-armed services staff, “and the team wanted to do something special to recognise the huge contribution that the armed forces have made to the UK.”
The truck and trailer will be driven by Barry Fairhurst, a former member of the armed services who served with Royal Corp of Transport until 1990.
‘Honoured’
Richard Jenkins, chief executive of Esken Renewables, said: “We are honoured to have so many ex-armed service people working for the business.
“Armed forces personnel bring a wide variety of skills, particularly in terms of logistics.
“It is important that we recognise the contribution made by the armed forces, particularly at times of remembrance.
The team came up with the idea of a new livery for one of our vehicles, and I think it looks great. It will now be seen up and down the country as it travels to supply biomass fuel to our customers.”
Ceremony
Esken Renewables is an Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award Holder, meaning they pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community.
The freshly liveried truck and trailer was unveiled at a ceremony attended by representatives from the Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association for the North West of England & the Isle of Man, the Ministry of Defence and a Royal Air Force squadron, along with Halton’s MP Derek Twigg and the Mayor and Mayoress of Halton.
The ceremony was also attended by Esken Renewables’ ex-armed forces employees and representatives from Volvo and STAS Trailers. It included a minute’s silence to reflect on the service and sacrifices made by the armed forces.
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