Road Tankers Northern (RTN) is a leading name in the manufacture of tanker vehicles used by many of the petroleum industry's fuel distributors. Established in 1991, RTN moved to larger premises close to the M1 motorway at Hoyland in Barnsley in 1995.

The company's 45,000 sq ft production facilities are just one mile from the motorway and include five overhead cranes, three large tank and fitting workshops, with space for sales and storage of road tankers and chassis.

Currently, however, RTN cannot manufacture sufficient product to meet demand and identified the need to invest substantially in its Barnsley operation to increase significantly its share of markets - both in the UK and internationally.

RTN's bid to the government's Regional Growth Fund was assisted by Barnsley Development Agency, and an application was submitted on the company's behalf.

Reacting to news of the successful bid, Frank Newell, Chairman and Managing Director of the company, said: "This is tremendous news not only for Road Tankers Northern, but also for Barnsley. This now means we can fast-forward our expansion plans, creating desperately needed high quality manufacturing jobs in the Barnsley area."

Michael Dugher, Member of Parliament for Barnsley East, said the announcement was great news for Road Tankers Northern. 

"I know there is great potential for the company to expand further, invest in the local economy and create sustainable private sector employment in the area," he said.  

"I welcome the extra support in this case, but I also urge the government to do more to help other local companies. The government's economic policies are having a detrimental impact on Barnsley's economy and more still needs to be done to help businesses throughout the region."

Cllr Tim Cheetham, Barnsley Council's Cabinet spokesperson for Development, Environment and Culture (Strategy), said the award was excellent news for Barnsley and a vote of confidence in local industry.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted that this highly successful Barnsley company has been awarded a grant which will enable them to invest in the local economy, creating further high quality skilled jobs in the future.

"We look forward to continuing our positive relationship with the company and assisting them with their long term growth. Barnsley Development Agency played a key role supporting the company through the grant application process."

The successful recipients of Regional Growth Fund round two funding were announced by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg during a visit to South Yorkshire. More than 16,500 jobs will be created in Yorkshire and the Humber by the £143 million injection of cash. RTN's was among 119 successful bids, including 24 in this region.