Minister for Business Enterprise, Technology and Science visits Hardstaff Group Low Carbon Technology Centre at Dynevor Arms, Aberdare.
28th November 2011
Following an invitation from the Hardstaff Group, the Minister, Mrs Edwina Hart MBE OStJ AM visited Dynevor Arms to learn about their innovations in low carbon vehicle technology and alternative fuels. The Group is now entering into a new phase of development of their 93 acre liquefied natural gas processing plant acquired from National Grid 18 months ago.
The Minister was greeted by Trevor Fletcher, Managing Director of The Hardstaff Group and the hour long visit included a presentation including an introduction to the Group, the technology, and finally a discussion on the future vision and plans for the site. Also present was Ciaran O’Conchuir and Tony King from Hardstaff, Tim Williams from the Welsh Automotive Forum and Ian Mitchard from the Welsh Government and WAF.
The Minister welcomed the opportunity to hear about the company's proposals to develop the site as a low carbon technology centre.
"It is always good to hear of companies expanding their operations into Wales, bringing new technologies here with the potential to create new job opportunities which is high on the Welsh Government's agenda. The projects are closely aligned to the low carbon strategies in two of our priority sectors - Advanced Materials and Manufacturing and Energy and Environment and I am pleased my officials are working closely with the Hardstaff Group to help take their innovative projects forward."
The company showcased their Hardstaff Oil-Ignition Gas-Injection (OIGI®) system, a patented combustion technology which simultaneously burns two fuels, fossil or renewable natural gas and diesel. Diesel is required as the ignition source with gas injection commencing when speed increases from idle. This system, which receives full support from major OEM’s, helps benefit the environment by cutting CO2 engine emissions by approximately 16-20% - double when using Bio-Methane - as well as significant reductions in all other tail-pipe pollutants. The technology is now being adopted in Europe, Scandinavia and further afield.
In the short-term Hardstaff intends to re-engineer HGVs at the Dynevor site to operate using their award winning technology, thereby supporting their Nottingham based production facility. Future plans to develop the site as a Low Carbon Technology Centre will support Wales low carbon agenda and help the local economy by job creation and involving local partners.
“Since Hardstaff acquired Dynevor, the Welsh Automotive Forum has provided great support, particularly Ian Mitchard, on secondment from the Welsh Government, and the organisation has afforded Hardstaff opportunities to work within the Governments Low Carbon Agenda.” commented Tony King, Project Manager for the Hardstaff Group.
Trevor Fletcher said “We were extremely honoured that Edwina Hart visited our site today. As a family business with a history spanning 150 years, it was a pleasure to present our leading-edge technology and future plans to the Minister.”
Trevor Fletcher, Managing Director of Hardstaff welcomes Minister Edwina Hart to Dynevor Arms.
About Hardstaff
T. Baden Hardstaff, parent company to the Hardstaff Group is a service and technology provider for the road transport industry specialising in the development of low carbon vehicle technologies. Through its group activities Hardstaff is perfectly positioned to provide all disciplines required for successful integration, including the technology, vehicles, refueling stations, fuel and support.
Media
For further information contact:
Linda Fletcher +44 (0)115 983 2300
lafletcher@hardstaffgroup.co.uk
www.hardstaffgroup.co.uk
