THE HARDSTAFF GROUP WINS MIDLANDS FAMILY BUSINESS AWARD “BUSINESS INNOVATION OF THE YEAR”
Nottingham 12th November – 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 “Business Innovation of the year” category of the first 2010 Midlands Family Business Awards sponsored by EFG Private Bank.
The award was presented at a formal ceremony held at Nottinghamshire’s Thrumpton Hall on the 11th November. The Midlands Family Business Awards launched by The Wilson Organisation, aims to highlight the achievements of local based family businesses and their leaders. The awards are a not-for-profit venture with all proceeds going to charities supporting young enterprise and young people.
The Business Innovation award was presented in recognition of Hardstaff’s Low Carbon Vehicle Technology and Natural Gas Infrastructure.
The Hardstaff Oil-Ignition Gas-Injection (OIGI®) technology is an electronic system that reduces the amount of diesel injected into a cylinder of a diesel engine, equally replacing the fuel with natural gas without affecting engine power and characteristics of the original diesel engine. The system cuts CO2 engine emissions by approximately 16%- 20%, double when using Biomethane, meeting current EU policy on alternative/renewable fuels and GHG emissions. There are significant reductions in all other tail-pipe pollutants which further benefit the environment.
Hardstaff have worked closely with Loughborough University to help technologically advance their 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.
With current demand for alternative fuelled vehicles rising due to increased diesel prices and the implementation of long-term government policies to reduce global warming and our reliance on fossil fuels. Hardstaff have innovated a modular based gas station system which can be grown and updated to match changing patterns of fuel usage. The volume scope of the equipment covers a wide range of vehicle applications ranging from a user with a single small vehicle up to a large multi-national operator.
Managing Director, Trevor Fletcher commented “We are extremely honoured to receive this award and for the recognition it brings to us as a company. As a family business, established for nearly 150 years, we are passionate about our leading-edge technology and environmental solutions 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.
From left, Tom Ingham-Clark of category sponsor EFG Private Bank, Linda and Trevor Fletcher, Directors of Hardstaff and Annabel Prow of The Wilson Organisation.
