Leading family fuel company Rix Petroleum is extending its services to the South West for the first time in its 90-year history.

The company is launching a new depot in Bristol to serve rural homeowners, farmers and businesses across Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

Based at Westerleigh Oil Terminal, the new depot will supply domestic heating oil, commercial diesel, agricultural fuels and lubricants.

Initially, it will create three full time jobs – a manager and two tanker drivers – with this number expected to increase as the business becomes established.

Local man David Webb has been recruited as the business development manager at the new depot.

Mr Webb brings with him more than 10 years’ experience in the industry, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the region the depot will serve.

He said: “Rix Petroleum is a fifth-generation family company that has been serving farmers, businesses and rural homes for almost 90 years, and as such, I believe it will soon become an established and trusted name in the South West because the company’s values are very much aligned with those of our local communities.

“We are looking to officially launch in early December which is in plenty of time for Christmas, meaning homeowners looking to top up before the Christmas rush will be able to do just that.

“This is a very exciting move for Rix and one I’m really pleased to be part of. It is particularly satisfying to be creating jobs in the area in which I live and work.”

The red, white and blue Rix tankers, which are a familiar sight in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Scotland, East Anglia, Mercia, the south east and the West Midlands, will deliver within a 40-mile radius of Bristol.

Customers looking to order fuel can do so over the phone, or via Rix Petroleum’s online ordering system.

Rory Clarke, managing director of Rix Petroleum, said the South West was a great fit for the company as agriculture and associated industries were such a large part of the region’s economy.

“Deciding to launch a new depot is based on a number of factors,” Mr Clarke said.

“Firstly, and most obviously, there must be demand for our products, and we need to be able to source product locally as well. Then we need to find the right people to work in the business to ensure it is a success.

“We feel that with the Bristol depot, we have found the right combination of all factors and we’re very excited about launching here, and bringing our family-based customer service to people and businesses throughout the West Country.”

To get in touch with Rix Petroleum’s Bristol depot call (0117) 9575045 or visit www.rix.co.uk.