THE HARDSTAFF GROUP WINS MIDLANDS EXCELLENCE “INNOVATION SPECIALIST CATEGORY AWARD”
Nottingham Friday 4th February – The Hardstaff Group, global leaders in the design, development and supply of low carbon dual fuel vehicle technologies that significantly reduce the carbon footprint in the road transport sector, are pleased to announce that they have won the “Innovation Specialist Category Award” of the 2010/2011 Midlands Excellence Awards sponsored by Haldex Concentric.
The award was presented at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre (I.C.C) on the 3rd February and the ceremony included a motivational speech by Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE, explorer, fundraiser and author. The Midlands Excellence Specialist Category Awards are designed to recognise companies that have demonstrated outstanding performance in their everyday business operations. The annual awards programme is the largest of its kind in Europe allowing the unique opportunity to stand in front of 1,300 peers.
Speaking after the gala ceremony, Midlands Excellence chief executive Ian Nield said: “This is a fantastic achievement for The Hardstaff Group and I congratulate them wholeheartedly. We received our highest number of entries this year in the Specialist Category Awards and the standard has been nothing short of exceptional.”
The Innovation Specialist Category Award was presented in recognition of The Hardstaff OIGI® (Oil-Ignition Gas-Injection) technology. The electronic system reduces the amount of diesel injected into a cylinder of a diesel engine, by replacing it with natural gas but without affecting the power and characteristics of the original engine. With typical substitution rates of 60%-70%, operating on fossil based natural gas, CO2 emissions are reduced by nearly 20%, CO by 98%, with at least 30% in NOx, smoke and particulate emissions. As well as fossil natural gas, biomethane can be used as the primary fuel source; in this case CO2 savings can be at least doubled (to 40%).
Hardstaff have collaborated with Loughborough University to further develop its technology system for emerging markets. The technology is designed and used in heavy goods vehicles with a number of European manufacturers supporting the Hardstaff dual fuel system, including Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. The system is now being used for a much wider application, with current sales through appointed distributors globally.
Asked why they had chosen to recognise The Hardstaff Group, the awards jury made the following comments: “We were impressed by the innovative thinking and creativity which this company demonstrates in its aim to have a positive effect on the world’s resources. Outstanding.”
Mr Nield concluded: “Every organisation we’ve recognised has undergone rigorous independent assessment and consistently demonstrated a genuine passion for excellence and performance improvement. An example to all of us, The Hardstaff Group has earned its place in the Midlands Excellence hall of fame.”
Managing Director, Trevor Fletcher commented “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award in recognition of our achievements in dual fuel technology. As a family business, established for 150 years, we are dedicated to developing leading-edge technology that’s helping protect our future environment for both the global and UK road transport industry.”
Hardstaff have always been on the leading edge of technical innovation, and to enable the switch from diesel to natural gas, they provide turn-key solutions that include refuelling stations, fuel supply and support. This enables a “headache free” entry level for the operator who will benefit from significant CO2 savings and a reduction in fuel costs.
