AESSEAL is to invest £250,000 to introduce electric vehicles and charging points at its Rotherham headquarters and Bradford site, after achieving net zero carbon emissions across its UK operations in 2020.

The global mechanical seal manufacturer will be adding an electric van and pool cars to its fleet this year and installing charging points for employees and visitors at its Yorkshire sites.

AESSEAL recently achieved net zero carbon emissions across its UK operations and is on track to achieve global net zero by 2029 and launched a global campaign - Betterworld – to drive collective action to mitigate climate change.

Managing Director Chris Rea (pictured) said 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.”

Mr Rea added: “At a time when private businesses are already facing significant financial challenges, there is little incentive to make this kind of ethos-led decision and, if the UK Government is serious about creating a more environmentally sustainable future, it is imperative that the gap between investment and return is narrowed.”

AESSEAL intends to make itself a live ‘test case’ and a detailed study of the pros and cons of green fleet vehicle investment will be posted on the Betterworld website, alongside proven and costed studies of all other investments that are helping the planet.