Business
Trading Update
Trading Update.
About this update from Tanfield Group Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n Tanfield Group PLC\n02 February 2007\n\n\n Tanfield Group PLC\n ('Tanfield' or 'the Group')\n\n Trading Update\n\n Smith Electric Vehicles to Supply Marks & Spencer\n\n with Zero Emission Delivery Vehicles\n\n\nThe Directors are pleased to announce that Tanfield has signed a significant\nsupply agreement with Marks & Spencer Group PLC ('Marks & Spencer').\n\nUnder the agreement, Tanfield's trading division, Smith Electric Vehicles, will\nsell its Newton zero emission vehicles to Marks & Spencer. Marks & Spencer will\ndeploy these Newton vehicles in various city centre logistics operations, with a\nview to Smith vehicles replacing Marks & Spencer's urban diesel fleet where\npertinent.\n\nIan Mumby, Head of Food Logistics and Supply Chain, Marks & Spencer, said: 'We\nare delighted to be one of the first major companies in the UK to explore the\nopportunities zero emission vehicles bring.\n\n\n'The Newton electric vehicle is not only environmentally friendly but\ncost-effective and its quietness makes it perfect for deliveries in residential\nareas.\n\n\n'Marks & Spencer recently announced Plan A, our 100 point eco-plan, which will\nsee us become Carbon Neutral within five years. Zero emission vehicles such as\nthe Newton could potentially play a large role in helping us meet that\ncommitment.'\n\n\nThe Directors were also delighted to welcome the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Tony\nBlair MP, who officially opened Tanfield's new headquarters, Vigo Centre, in\nTyne & Wear, England earlier today.\n\n\nMr Blair praised the Smith Newton, the largest and most powerful zero emission\ntruck ever produced. Built by Smith Electric Vehicles, the 7.5 tonne Newton is\ntotally battery powered, making it perfect for work in congested city centres.\n\n\nMr Blair said: 'In the years to come, this operation is absolutely where the\nfuture will be.\n\n\n'It is fantastic that you have built up this company so quickly. This will be a\ncompany that will really make its presence felt not just in the North East, but\nactually throughout the world.'\n\n\nDarren Kell, Chief Executive, said: 'During his visit, the Prime Minister made\nit clear to us, both publicly and privately, that he is incredibly supportive of\nour business model. He recognises the truly global opportunity for us as the\nworld's leading manufacturer o...