Geesink Norba wins Vehicle of the Year award
Geesink Norba’s Plug-in Electric vehicle has scooped a top green honour by winning the prestigious Vehicle of the Year title at the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management’s (CIWM) Awards for Environmental Excellence.
(l-r) Dragon’s Den investor and host of the CIWM awards Deborah Meaden and Hopkinsons Fairdeals’ Managing Director Paul Askew present the award to Geesink Norba CEO Nandit Gandhi and UK Business Director Geoff Rigg.
The innovative battery powered vehicle, which was launched in the UK in May 2009, beat off stiff opposition to win the title because of its ability to reduce environmental impact through more sustainable management of wastes and resources.
Geesink Norba chief executive officer Nandit Gandhi said: “It’s very encouraging to see our pioneering efforts in developing green technology being recognised by the industry. We will continue to expand the boundaries to produce attractive solutions in the waste management field partnering with our customers in the process.
“While we will certainly look on this as a landmark achievement, it’s actually just the start of the process for Geesink Norba as we strive for excellence in providing waste management solutions for our customers with the support of our parent company Platinum Equity, which acquired Geesink Norba in July 2009.”
Geesink Norba's Plug-in Electric vehicle was named Vehicle of the Year 2009 at the CIWM Awards
The vehicle was launched in the UK in May, following six years of testing and development in Sweden. It uses electric power to operate the lifting, crushing and compacting systems. It was designed to meet three key objectives; reducing diesel consumption and carbon emissions and cutting energy costs for operators.
UK Business Director Geoff Rigg said: “It’s a fitting and prestigious award for a tremendous vehicle which can make a major reduction in carbon emissions and fuel costs for operators across Britain. We are very proud that the CIWM and the rest of the industry has recognised our efforts.
“There are many changes sweeping through our industry and new doors opening for a progressive company like Geesink Norba. Now, with the support and commitment of Platinum Equity behind us, we are in an excellent position to seize those opportunities.”
Since its UK launch, the Plug-in Electric vehicle has been tested by numerous local authorities and private contractors and produced a range of outstanding fuel savings in different operating conditions. Results of these fuel saving tests are currently being analysed and will be announced in the coming weeks. The vehicle will also start an extensive two-year pilot scheme with other commercial partners in the UK later this month.
The Plug-in Electric body uses far less fuel, drastically reducing fuel bills and carbon emissions
The Vehicle of the Year award was sponsored by Hopkinsons Fairdeals and presented by the managing director Paul Askew at the event hosted by Dragon’s Den investor Deborah Meaden in London’s Dorchester Hotel on Wednesday November 11th.
The judges were chief economist at the Freight Transport Association (FTA) Simon Chapman, Trevor Hay of the Health and Safety Executive, Daily Express environment editor John Ingham, President of the CIWM Terry March, Jane Milne of the British Retail Consortium, Dr Liz Goodwin of Waste and Resources Action Programme, Stephen Didsbury of the CIWM and Owen Jenkins of the Construction Research & Information Association.
Tags: bin lorry, Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, CIWM, dust cart, Geesink Norba, GEESINKNORBA, Plug-in Electric, RCV, refuse collection vehicle, Vehicle of the Year
