Firm strengthens green credentials with electric vehicle fleet

Manufacturing business AESSEAL is to invest £250,000 to introduce electric vehicles and charging points at its Rotherham headquarters and Bradford site.

In the first stage of the mechanical seal manufacturer’s campaign to adopt a greener transport infrastructure in support of the Government’s drive to abolish the sale of fossil fuel vehicles by 2030, it will be adding an electric van and pool cars to its fleet this year.

It will also install charging points for employees and visitors at its Yorkshire sites.

AESSEAL recently announced it had achieved net zero carbon emissions across its UK operations and is on track to achieve global net zero by 2029.

Managing director Chris Rea stressed there will be no financial return on investment for the electric vehicles and infrastructure, and that the move was based purely on AESSEAL’s commitment to the environment.

He said: “The only reason to do this is non-financial. We feel strongly that somebody has to lead the way in being an early adopter of electric vehicles, despite the lack of financial incentive to do so.

“For AESSEAL, electrification of our UK vehicle fleet is an act of faith. We see it as a laboratory for the future, which will enable industry leaders to evaluate what makes sense for both businesses and the environment.

“At a time when private businesses are already facing significant financial challenges, there is little incentive to make this kind of ethos-led decision.

“If the UK Government is serious about creating a more environmentally sustainable future, it is imperative the gap between investment and return is narrowed.”