Maxol opens new forecourt in Wicklow

Maxol today opened a new forecourt in Rathnew, Wicklow. “At a time when people are hugely concerned about being able to access everyday essentials as well as fuel, there was no doubt in our minds but that we had to proceed with the opening of Maxol Rathnew,” said Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group.  “Not only does it mean that there is an additional outlet for groceries and fuel in the area, but today’s opening also means the creation of 20 new jobs and our industry is hugely cognisant of the need to create and maintain jobs at this really difficult time.

“In opening Rathnew we have had to make some urgent modifications such as planning for the introduction of Perspex sneeze guards to protect both staff and customers; the introduction of store markers to ensure proper social distancing is maintained and hugely enhanced cleaning and sanitisation measures.  We have also decided not to open the 32-seater eat-in area at this time,” said Brian Donaldson.

These measures are being rolled out across Maxol’s 115 other company-owned forecourts throughout the country, with the health and safety of staff and customers being a top priority for the group, now more than ever before.

Pay-at-pump: unintended benefits

“One of the benefits of our new forecourts, as well as our newly renovated sites, is our pay-at-pump facilities.  This means that customers can purchase petrol or diesel without having to enter the shop or come into any human contact,” said Brian Donaldson.

“COVID-19 obviously wasn’t a consideration when we were making plans for these facilities, but it’s amazing how companies like ours are now seeing unintended benefits from relatively low-tech innovations that were created for totally different purposes.”

Maxol Rathnew is located at Tighes Avenue, close to the M11 and will serve both the local community in addition to passing trade from Dublin or the South East.  In addition to groceries and fuel, the new store offers fresh food-to-go from the Maxol Deli and freshly brewed ROSA coffee.

The opening of Maxol Rathnew, which was built on a greenfield site, was to be one of the group’s flagship events to mark the family-owned businesses centenary year. “We have obviously cancelled all fanfare around the launch. Our focus has moved to ensuring staff are looked after as they look after shoppers with a special focus on our older customers, who need even more support,” said Brian Donaldson.

Maxol is Ireland’s largest family-owned forecourt and convenience retailer with 237 service stations (company and dealer owned) throughout the country. “We would like to reassure all our customers that we will continue to serve them as always during this difficult time with all their daily essentials.  We have an amazing team and I want to thank our staff, retailers and suppliers who are keeping everything running smoothly and safely. I would like to pay special tribute to Jason and Rachel McMullan, our licensees and independent retailers who have remained steadfast in their commitment to running this new site in the middle of a national crisis.”

Check out www.maxol.ie for updates and more.