2024 has marked a pivotal year for NRG Riverside, showcasing significant advancements and substantial investment in their growing fleet. With over £46 million spent this year alone, the company has committed to replacing older vehicles and expanding into new, strategic sectors. One of the most exciting developments in their growth trajectory is their move into the winter maintenance vehicle sector, which promises to further solidify their position in the market.
Expansion into the Winter Maintenance Sector
October 2024 marks a major milestone as NRG Riverside makes its debut in the winter maintenance industry by adding gritters to its fleet for the first time. Chris Snelson, Fleet and Asset Director, explained, “After successfully establishing ourselves with local authorities and waste management services, we saw an opportunity to expand into this new sector. We are confident that we can deliver the same high standards of service that our customers have come to expect from us.”
This expansion sees NRG Riverside introducing a wide range of winter maintenance vehicles into their fleet. These include nine brand new DAF LF and XB 4×2 Bucher Municipal UniQa gritters, featuring Polyx and Unix snow plough attachments.
Additionally, the company has added fourteen slightly older 6×4 Volvo FE and Mercedes-Benz models in both 6×4 and 4×4 configurations. A highlight of the fleet is the fully electric Electra Eurocargo SEIV Bucher Municipal Phoenix 6m3 salt spreader, equipped with advanced features such as a pre-wet system and a neoprene scraping edge for superior road clearing efficiency.
Commitment to Safer Roads in Winter
This latest investment signals NRG Riverside’s clear commitment to ensuring safer roads throughout the winter months. The introduction of these new and improved gritters means that local authorities, road maintenance teams, and NRG Riverside’s customers will be better equipped to manage icy and snowy road conditions. This proactive approach will help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure smoother traffic flow during challenging weather conditions.
Amber Greenhalgh, Rental & Marketing Director, shared her insights on this new initiative, stating, “We’ve expanded our depot network with five new workshops, strategically placed to support our growing customer base. These workshops are designed to provide timely service and maintenance, which is critical for ensuring our winter maintenance vehicles are always ready to perform at their best.”
Supporting Customers with Comprehensive Solutions
NRG Riverside’s decision to enter the winter maintenance vehicle sector stems from a long-term strategy to diversify its offering and address new market needs. The gritters are not just an addition to the fleet; they represent a larger shift in the company’s operational focus, aiming to provide comprehensive, year-round solutions for road maintenance.
According to Greenhalgh, this move was part of a wider strategic plan developed earlier in 2024. “Our aim was to expand our highways services by preparing for the demands of winter maintenance. We’ve overhauled our internal systems to accommodate seasonal needs such as salt calibration and rapid replacement of critical equipment. Our teams have undergone extensive training to be fully prepared for the coming winter season.”
This level of preparation ensures that NRG Riverside can offer a seamless service, even during periods of high demand or extreme weather. The company’s gritters will be a valuable asset to local authorities and road maintenance contractors, providing them with the tools needed to keep roads clear and safe.
Future Growth and Innovation
While 2024 has already been a year of substantial growth for NRG Riverside, the company has no plans to slow down. The addition of winter maintenance vehicles is just one aspect of their broader commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. By continuously investing in their fleet and expanding into new sectors, NRG Riverside is positioning itself as a leader in the road maintenance industry.
Snelson emphasised the importance of this forward-thinking approach, noting, “Our fleet investments, combined with the strategic placement of workshops and the latest vehicle technology, enable us to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our customers. We’re not just thinking about the present; we’re planning for the future.”
A Strategic Move with Long-Term Benefits
NRG Riverside’s expansion into the winter maintenance vehicle sector is a clear indication of their ambition and foresight. With a robust investment in cutting-edge gritters and a well-thought-out support system of workshops and trained personnel, the company is well-positioned to meet the challenges of winter head-on. As icy roads and snowy conditions become more frequent, NRG Riverside is ready to play a key role in ensuring safer, more navigable roads across the UK.
This strategic move not only enhances their service offering but also strengthens their reputation as a trusted partner for local authorities and road maintenance services. With a growing fleet and a commitment to safety and efficiency, NRG Riverside is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the road maintenance sector for years to come.
