Members’ News
27 Sep 2022
Sustainable automation – Festo aims for CO2 neutrality by 2023
Automation is an enabler for the industrial transformation towards climate protection, resource efficiency, sustainability, and the circular economy. Festo products and solutions enable more resource-efficient production and help to establish a circular economy along the entire value chain – with the clear aim of reducing CO2 emissions.
Festo will massively reduce its own carbon footprint over the next two years. “All of our production and logistics sites worldwide, including the German sales locations and the corporate headquarters in Esslingen, will be CO2-neutral from the beginning of 2023,” explained Festo CEO Dr. Oliver Jung, Dipl.-Ing. at Festo’s International Press Conference in Esslingen.
Sustainability Strategy and Sustainability Report
Festo has aligned its own Sustainability Strategy with the Strategic Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Scope 3 emissions will play an increasingly important role as emissions from purchasing and logistics are considered alongside the use of products by customers. In its annual Sustainability Report, Festo documents its global responsibility with numerous examples and provides information about its sustainable corporate development.
“We want to express how automation technology can balance the supply of the world’s population and protect natural resources via climate-neutral production at the same time,” explains Oliver Jung. “Festo is striving to transform industrial production into an efficient and more climate-friendly way of manufacturing.”
He continued: “Innovations are the key to greater sustainability and our customers increasingly perceive us as a partner in this process. Together, we can drive the transformation of the industry.” Festo has made great strides in important innovations, such as digital and intelligent pneumatics, automation platforms and concepts for saving energy in pneumatics.
Learning as an essential element of sustainable development
Festo contributes to global sustainability at many levels. As a solution provider for technical education and training, Festo Didactic imparts skills and abilities to master the challenges of the present and shape the future for the benefit of future generations. Festo also attaches great importance to training and further education within its own company. In addition, Festo Didactic develops learning content and learning environments for new training professions, based on the increasing requirements in the areas of IT, AI, data science and sustainability.
The transition to a circular economy
Festo sees the next development for industrial production in the transition towards a consistent circular economy. This change holds enormous growth potential and at the same time preserves the natural foundations of life for future generations. “In nature, there is no waste and no wastage, we just have to learn to transfer these principles to our economic activity. That is why we are transferring these principles to automation as part of our Bionic Learning Network,” says Oliver Jung.
The current Festo Sustainability Report is available at www.festo.co.uk/sustainability
Hydroscand UK: Twenty Years and STILL Dedicated To The Flow
In July 2022 Hydroscand celebrated twenty years of business in the UK.
Twenty years is a milestone anniversary and the Group Management alongside Rebecca Galley, UK Managing Director believed it was important to mark the occasion properly. We decided to stop and recognise all the hard work that has made the business what it is, and to celebrate the people in the team who have helped to make that happen. With that in mind, the team prepared special anniversary events over two days at the end of the month.
The celebrations started with open mornings at all UK branches on Friday 29th July.
Rebecca said: “Thank you to everyone for hosting the open mornings so well! It was great to see so many customers were able to join us in our various locations, and to learn of our collective cooking skills.” Aaron Goffin, Area Sales Manager added, ”It has been a success a lot of customers came and everybody had a good time and some food.”
Following the Friday open mornings, we were very happy to welcome several of the team from all the branches to join us in our Nottingham branch for an afternoon of cakes and competitions, followed by dinner and drinks in the evening. For several of the team it was the first time they had the chance to meet colleagues “not in uniform” and spend time getting to know each other better.
Hydroscand Group is a family-owned business. Björn Holmström, founder and owner is committed to keeping it that way. We were delighted that Björn’s son, Sten and his family were able to join us at the celebration, alongside Group CEO, Frida Norrbom Sams and CFO, Mikael Arkevret.
Everyone agreed it was a super evening and they really enjoyed themselves. Frida commented that “It was really good to see so many of the team gathered. That’s the best part of it!” To further commemorate the anniversary, we worked with Comton Media to create a special video telling the story of our business over the last 20 years. We have created lots of videos recently talking about who we are and what we do. Because this was a special occasion, we looked at it differently. The video is in documentary style, which really captures the human side of our business, something you don’t see in more corporate style productions. We hope it will be a keepsake for the current team as well as a great advert for the business in the future.
Hydroscand has continued through turbulent times, especially recently with the global pandemic. What’s more, we are still working together now after twenty years as a team. Our business has grown significantly over the past few years and we have plans to keep that momentum going.
Rebecca said: “Hydroscand has an ethos of being a family business with customer closeness at the top of our agenda. I believe that is why the business has been around for more than 50 years, and 20 so far in the UK. It has been a privilege to lead the UK team here for the past three years and as a team we are looking forward to the next 20 years with energy and passion for what we do”
Hydraquip Hose and Hydraulics acquires A1 Hydraulics
Hydraquip Hose and Hydraulics have acquired A1 Hydraulics in Leicester which became Hydraquip Leicester Branch on 1st September 2022. The company will remain trading at the same location in Leicester and their new contact details are as follows:
Hydraquip Hose & Hydraulics
Troon Industrial Area
92 Cannock St
Leicester
LE4 9HR
T: 0116 276 1131
E: leicester@hydraquip.co.uk
IMH cements decades long Bosch Rexroth partnership with new certification
Hydraulic engineering specialist Industrial and Marine Hydraulics (IMH) has been awarded Certified Excellence Service Partner status by Bosch Rexroth, a leading supplier of drive and control technologies – highlighting its knowledge and ability to deliver high-quality services to customers.
IMH, based in Middlesbrough, and a distributor member of the BFPA, UK delivers major hydraulic engineering projects across the world and has qualified as a Certified Excellence Service Partner as part of Bosch Rexroth’s new programme.
Bosch Rexroth provides innovative components, complete system solutions and expert services, with a portfolio of energy-efficient hydraulics, electric drives and controls and linear motion and assembly technologies.
The Bosch Rexroth Certified Excellence Program is a global sales partner qualification program developed to standardise how Bosch Rexroth qualifies its partners. Through completion of the programme IMH has demonstrated its abilities to deliver high-level services, competencies and quality for customers.
Photo (L-R): Daniel Wendon and Andrew Minturn, Bosch Rexroth and James Griffiths and Mike Goldsworthy, IMH
IMH is a long-standing partner, with the relationship being initiated by IMH’s founder, Paul Griffiths, in the mid-1970s. The two companies have continued to work well together with IMH’s technical skills and knowledge being called upon by Bosch Rexroth on a number of occasions and in previous years, IMH was the only UK distributor selected as an extension to its service department.
James Griffiths, Managing Director at IMH commented: “IMH has always considered the Bosch Rexroth product range to be of the highest technical quality. We are therefore delighted to have qualified as a Certified Excellence Service Partner and be aligned to its product range which we can deliver to our customers. With more than 45 years of relationship history, we’re excited about the future and will continue to work in close partnership with Bosch Rexroth as part of our long-term business growth strategy.”
Andrew Minturn, Partner, Distribution and Service Sales Management at Bosch Rexroth added: “We’re delighted to welcome IMH to our Certified Excellence partner program as we look to create a circle of excellence for our customers which combines the best excellences our partners are providing to fulfil the needs of our customers. The IMH team possess strong technical knowledge, high-level competencies and in-depth understanding of our product range which we’re excited to have as part of our partner programme.”
IMH has extensive experience of providing hydraulic engineering expertise and solutions to sectors including oil and gas, marine, subsea, energy (including renewables), nuclear, infrastructure, mining, manufacturing and automotive.
By closely engaging with IMH, companies can tap into a deep source of hydraulic engineering talent from consultation and initial specification through to design and delivery, providing customers with peace of mind through the provision of expert advice and support.
For more information visit www.imh-uk.com
One Stop Fluid Power launch brand new online store
One Stop Fluid Power Ltd have launched a brand new online store! A digital one-stop-shop for all of your sealing, hose and water jet cutting needs. The e-commerce site has been developed with user experience and easy navigation in mind, allowing customers to enjoy an efficient and straightforward ordering process.
In September 2021, One Stop Fluid Power Ltd changed it’s name from One Stop Sealing Ltd, with the rebrand providing a better reflection of the complete range of services and products offered by the team based in Hull. Since becoming part of the R&G Fluid Power Group in 2017, One Stop Fluid Power have continually enhanced their product offering by working with other group companies. They now offer so much more than just sealing, industrial hose and water jet cutting, with an extended range including hydraulic hoses and components and pneumatic supplies.
These ranges of products are all available at the click of a button on the new website. From the smallest of gaskets to the largest of hoses, with all the technical data provided.
One Stop continue to be distributors and stockists for Intertraco, Dantec and Flexittalic; and provide key onsite services including water jet cutting and hose testing, registration and management systems. With the new website, it has never been easier to get advice or make an enquiry.
While the name has changed, the exceptional service has been unwavering, with the company going from strength to strength as they now look to extend their digital presence and extend their customer reach.
You can contact the team at One Stop Fluid Power Ltd on 01482 610990 or call in to see them at 41-47 Scarborough Street, Hull HU3 4TG.
Check out the website here https://onestopfluidpower.co.uk/
Follow on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/80715445
R&G Fluid Power Group Ltd acquires AMG Sealing Ltd and Hydraproducts
BFPDA Group member R&G Fluid Power Group Ltd has acquired AMG Sealing Ltd, an independent stockist and manufacturer of industrial gaskets, strengthening our sealing division across the UK. Based in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, AMG are experts in sealing and supply their products globally to end user and re-supply markets. They invest hugely into their stocks and hold a large and diverse range of metallic and semi metallic sealing products. Their in-house production facilities utilise the latest CAD controlled cutting technology to produce gaskets and sealing products from a range of soft materials.
Neil Heywood, Managing Director of AMG, will be staying with the business and continuing in his role, working closely with the R&G sealing division management team. Neil commented – “We’re highly delighted to now be part of the R&G Fluid Power Group. It’s a really positive and unique opportunity for us to have been acquired by R&G, a forward thinking and dynamic business that we have so much synergy with. We’re excited about the future and looking forward to further developing our static sealing portfolio and expertise within the group, whilst complementing R&G’s UK sealing division.”
All of AMG’s products are produced by approved manufacturers from the highest quality of raw materials, serving an array of industries including oil & gas, exploration, petrochemical and utilities. Their extensive network of trusted manufacturing partners allows them to deliver product and customer service excellence to a worldwide audience on a daily basis.
Richard Davies, R&G Fluid Power Group MD said – “We are delighted to welcome Neil and the AMG team to the group. AMG is an excellent strategic fit for our sealing division adding a wealth of technical product knowledge and experience which complements our existing gasket and seals businesses.”
For customers and staff of AMG Sealing, it’s business as usual, the same experienced team will be providing the same exemplary service. Since it’s formation, AMG has had sustained success and the company will only continue to prosper with the backing of R&G.
For more information on AMG Sealing Ltd please visit – www.amgsealing.com
For more information on R&G Fluid Power Ltd please visit www.rgfluidpower.com
R&G Fluid Power Group Ltd has acquired Hydraproducts Ltd, a leading manufacturer of Hydraulic power packs based in Gloucester, further bolstering R&G’s position in the UK Fluid Power industry.
Founded in 2002, Hydraproducts Ltd design and manufacture hydraulics products and systems tailored to customer’s needs, specialising in applications such as compactors, road blockers, bollards dock levellers, trailers and scissor lifts.
On selling the business, Ben Lee explained, “This acquisition puts Hydraproducts in an increasingly strong position in the hydraulic power pack market. With support from R&G, Hydraproducts’ future looks exciting for all our stakeholders”.
Hydraproducts place great importance on quality and have an ethos strongly geared towards customer and employee satisfaction. A culture which parallels that of R&G.
Richard Davies, R&G Fluid Power Group MD commented “We are delighted to welcome the Hydraproducts team to the R&G Fluid Power Group. Hydraproducts has an exceptional reputation for technical excellence, quality and value; the technical expertise of this Gloucester based business adds a new dimension to R&G’s hydraulics division.”
With the backing of R&G’s resources, Hydraproducts Ltd will only continue to thrive, with an increased product offering and access to a wider network of support. For customers and staff of Hydraproducts Ltd, there will be minimal changes, with the same experienced team providing the same exceptional service.
For more information on Hydraproducts Ltd please click here
Follow them on LinkedIn
Rotec Hydraulics Ltd Achieves ISO 14001:2015 Certification
BFPA distributor member Rotec Hydraulics Limited is pleased to announce it has achieved ISO 14001:2015 certification, to join its existing certifications, including ISO 9001, JOSCAR and SafeContractor.
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised standard that relates to a stringent and specific set of requirements all linked to systems of environmental management.
Revised in 2015, ISO 14001 brings an increased focus on sustainable development and supporting businesses to effectively manage the environmental challenges of the future. It is now the most widely recognised Environmental Management System (EMS) in the world and provides businesses with a framework for implementing sustainable practices. This includes covering issues such as the establishment, implementation, maintenance and improvement of an EMS.
Through the process of certification, Rotec has undergone audits at all company service centres with excellent results. Every one of Rotec’s locations have demonstrated the effectiveness of their EMS processes and the organisation’s commitment to becoming more sustainable and net zero in future years.
The ISO 140001 certification comes a few months after the business released a statement pledging its commitment to halving its carbon emissions by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2040.
A 2021 ‘Carbon Footprint Assessment’ at Rotec identified the main sources of the company’s carbon emissions and has ensured necessary management frameworks, processes and systems for decreasing the company’s carbon footprint are data-driven and have measurable targets. Rotec have also recently received the FNZ Standard – a benchmark and progress recording and monitoring tool, which is verified and audited by future Net Zero.
Paul Prouse, Rotec’s Managing Director, commented: “We are delighted to achieve ISO 14001:2015 certification across all of our business sites. Rotec’s environmental commitment to achieve net zero by 2040 has driven our framework for implementing sustainable practices and we have embedded our plan to reduce the company’s carbon footprint within our business strategy.
“As part of being an environmentally responsible company, we are committed to supporting our customers to become more sustainable by designing and offering more energy-efficient and eco-friendly engineering solutions.”
Click here to find out more about Rotec’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
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Do you have a company news story we could feature?
BFPA would like to help publicise our BFPA and BFPDA members’ company news (free of charge to members) in our newsletter and / or on our website news page and want to feature more news stories from our BFPA and BFPDA members. Each news item will be set alongside a photo / logo / image (which you would ideally supply) and archived by date. We may also be able to publish on our news pages or send out to a wider media list as well on your behalf.
We would love to hear from you if you have any suitable UK fluid power industry news stories such as:
- Senior staff appointments
- New buildings being opened
- Awards being won / presented
- New industry sales partners announced
- New acquisitions / alliances etc.
- Innovative or unusual projects or case studies
Please send any news items to Sarah Gardner sarah@bfpa.co.uk – we look forward to hearing from you soon!