Manufacturing firm invests in new electric vehicles
A local manufacturing firm that specialises in producing cutting tools has boosted its green credentials after investing in five new electric vehicles.
Guhring Ltd provides cutting tools to customers in the automotive and aerospace industries, including Jaguar Land Rover, BMW and Airbus. It produces around 2,000 items at its Birmingham site - which employs 95 people - each month.
To improve its carbon footprint, it has invested in five new electric vehicles to add to its commercial fleet, as well as two hybrid models, with financial support from Lloyds Bank. Through this change, it has the potential to reduce the business ' carbon footprint by more than 25 per cent.
The electric vehicles are just the latest step in Guhring 's sustainability strategy. The firm ensures that all old tools are recycled, reducing them back to tungsten carbide powder that can then be used to create a new tool, reducing the amount of material waste.
It also put sustainability at the heart of its recently-opened new site, acquired with the support of a seven-figure loan from Lloyds Bank, which includes a purpose-built 40,000 sq ft producing site made to the business ' specifications. This has been kitted out with energy-efficient machinery and LED lighting throughout.
Chris Weston, managing director at Guhring, said: “Sustainability has always been important to us which is why we wanted to start transitioning our fleet to more efficient vehicles. With fuel prices on the rise we also hope it will bring long-term financial benefits too.
“We hope to continue increasing the number of electric vehicles in our fleet and will work with the Lloyds Bank team to do so. Their expertise and support has been vital and they couldn 't have been more helpful in completing this move. ”
Paul Gordon, managing director of SMEs and mid-corporates at Lloyds Bank, and relationship director Paul Warrington recently visited the business to see the new vehicles and some of the cutting-edge technology used by the site. This includes its 3D metal printing tools, which are used to make specialist, made-to-order diamond cutting products in a more efficient and cost-effective way.
Paul said: “It was fantastic to visit Guhring and see the incredible technology advances they are making in areas like 3D printing and the efforts they 're making to become greener. They 're setting a great example for other local businesses and have shown that financial growth and investment in sustainability can go hand in hand.
“Simple steps like purchasing electric or hybrid vehicles can make a significant difference to a business ' carbon footprint and it is relatively easy to do. Our relationship managers and relationship directors, including Paul [Warrington], are supporting businesses looking to take their first steps to becoming more sustainable and will continue to do so as we help the country move towards a greener future. ”
Pictured (l-r) Emma Atkinson (regional relationship manager at Lex Autolease), Chris Weston (managing director at Guhring Ltd), Paul Gordon (managing director of SMEs and mid-corporates at Lloyds Bank) and Paul Warrington (relationship director at Lloyds Bank)