Modec starts production of zero emission LCV

Pioneering zero emission vehicle manufacturer Modec officially opened its factory doors on the 8th March with The Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP joining customers, suppliers and staff to launch its new production plant based in Binley, Coventry.

The battery powered Modec vehicle provides the world's first high performance, emission free alternative to traditional diesel delivery fleets and has been heralded as the future of urban commercial transport. Quiet, efficient and with the added advantage of zero tax and zero congestion charge, the vehicle has already attracted orders from Tesco, Hildon Water, Islington Borough Council and dozens of other organisations keen to improve their fleet environmental credentials. Around 500 Modec vehicles are expected to be produced in the first year.

Addressing customers and media assembled for the morning launch The Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP said: "The West Midlands has been the engine room of the British economy and it is great to see the area taking a lead in the green revolution. I think we should forget the doom and gloom; climate change opens huge opportunities. We need to look at things in a completely different way and Modec is a good example of this thinking."

Speaking later at a customer luncheon held at the site, Jim Cunningham, MP for Coventry South, told almost 400 guests: "The Modec team has every reason to be proud of their achievement. I think it's a very good product, and a very good example of what can be done."

Modec is a private company founded by Jamie Borwick, deputy chairman of the British Lung Foundation and former Maganese Bronze chairman, whose vision to manufacture a practical vehicle to help businesses tackle the growing climate change crisis. The company has made its home in the Midlands automotive heartland, where its arrival heralds a welcome reversal in the region's manufacturing fortunes. Modec now employs ten ex-Peugeot factory staff and a former Jaguar apprentice amongst its 100-strong team.

Jamie Borwick said: "There have been all too many automotive factory closures in the Midlands in recent years. Isn't it fun to open one for a change? What we've done is to make it easy for a company to prove that they care about their customers' environment and health. And the early interest we have already received from major organisations such as Tesco proves it's exactly what operators have been waiting for. A big thank you to all our customers so far. I am also immensely proud of the Modec team and everything they have worked so hard to achieve."

Additional news

Corporate social responsibility taskforce launched within Modec

Modec has launched a CSR taskforce in an attempt to reduce its carbon footprint. As a result a number of initiatives have been introduced including:

Staff encouraged to think and act green

A number of staff at Modec have volunteered to set up a CSR taskforce. This group will look at how the company operates and how staff can reduce their carbon footprint on a personal level.

Modec have already made it company policy to use EcoVert products in the kitchen, along with an energy saving water boiler. Incentive schemes are being put in place for those who car share or take public transport to work. Monthly meetings take place to assess progress and introduce new ideas.

We know these changes in behaviour are on a small scale but as our lead customer, Tesco, remind us: "every little helps"!

If you have any ideas for the Modec CSR taskforce to consider please email Catherine Hutt: chutt@modec.co.uk who would be delighted to hear your suggestions.

Modec only print with green ink

NBA Creative, Modec's advertising agency, chose Taylor Bloxham to produce Modec's brochures because of their impressive environmental credentials.

Using only recycled paper and wood sourced from sustainable and renewable forests, Modec ensures it leaves the lightest of environmental footprints.

Renewable energy from BizzEnergy

Modec switched its energy supply to renewable electricity from BizzEnergy. Even the Chairman of Modec, Jamie Borwick switched his home supply.

BizzEnergy represents the ideal energy partner for Modec with the experience and expertise to help businesses take cost effective and environmentally responsible control of their energy requirements.

Trees are now part of the Modec family

The Modec factory is truly green from the inside out with trees situated throughout the workshop floor. The trees joined us for our Launch on 8th March and have stayed with us since - they will even travel to the CV Show next month as part of the display!