BT network to fuel growth at VARO

New hybrid network to underpin digital transformation at leading European oil company

BT today announced a new contract with VARO, an oil refining, storage and distribution company, to connect 55 locations in Switzerland, Germany and the Benelux countries.

VARO sources crude oil from all over the world, refines it at its plants in Switzerland and Germany and distributes gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and heating oil in North West Europe. The company requires seamless and reliable connectivity between its oil distribution terminals, refineries, storage locations, data centres and office sites. This includes video surveillance at a number of sites.

To meet VARO’s need for security and reliability, BT has designed a highly resilient hybrid network, combining BT’s IP Connect network with high performance internet connectivity. Each site will be connected using two separate lines to achieve a high degree of resiliency against failure.

David Newton, CIO at VARO, said: “By migrating the network to a single supplier, we will simplify the management of our operations. The new, harmonised network will also give us more agility and provide a solid platform from which we can launch new services fuelling our growth.”

Chet Patel, President Continental Europe at BT said, “I am proud that VARO, an important player in the oil industry, has decided to trust BT with the delivery of its business critical network services. Our global network underpins the digital ambitions of leading global multinationals and we look forward to working with VARO to help them build a more digital business.”

About VARO

VARO refines, stores and distributes oil products for the North West European market. The company owns a refinery in Cressier, Switzerland, a minority share in the Bayernoil refinery, Southern Germany, as well as storage facilities, distribution and marketing businesses in Benelux, France, Germany and Switzerland. VARO’s shareholders include private investment company Reggeborgh; Carlyle International Energy Partners, an advisory fund which is part of the global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group; and international energy and commodities company Vitol.