Tanfield Regulatory News (TAN)

2 Feb 2007 13:04

Tanfield Group PLC02 February 2007 Tanfield Group PLC ('Tanfield' or 'the Group') Trading Update Smith Electric Vehicles to Supply Marks & Spencer with Zero Emission Delivery Vehicles The Directors are pleased to announce that Tanfield has signed a significantsupply agreement with Marks & Spencer Group PLC ("Marks & Spencer"). Under the agreement, Tanfield's trading division, Smith Electric Vehicles, willsell its Newton zero emission vehicles to Marks & Spencer. Marks & Spencer willdeploy these Newton vehicles in various city centre logistics operations, with aview to Smith vehicles replacing Marks & Spencer's urban diesel fleet wherepertinent. Ian Mumby, Head of Food Logistics and Supply Chain, Marks & Spencer, said: "Weare delighted to be one of the first major companies in the UK to explore theopportunities zero emission vehicles bring. "The Newton electric vehicle is not only environmentally friendly butcost-effective and its quietness makes it perfect for deliveries in residentialareas. "Marks & Spencer recently announced Plan A, our 100 point eco-plan, which willsee us become Carbon Neutral within five years. Zero emission vehicles such asthe Newton could potentially play a large role in helping us meet thatcommitment." The Directors were also delighted to welcome the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon TonyBlair MP, who officially opened Tanfield's new headquarters, Vigo Centre, inTyne & Wear, England earlier today. Mr Blair praised the Smith Newton, the largest and most powerful zero emissiontruck ever produced. Built by Smith Electric Vehicles, the 7.5 tonne Newton istotally battery powered, making it perfect for work in congested city centres. Mr Blair said: "In the years to come, this operation is absolutely where thefuture will be. "It is fantastic that you have built up this company so quickly. This will be acompany that will really make its presence felt not just in the North East, butactually throughout the world." Darren Kell, Chief Executive, said: "During his visit, the Prime Minister madeit clear to us, both publicly and privately, that he is incredibly supportive ofour business model. He recognises the truly global opportunity for us as theworld's leading manufacturer of commercial zero emission vehicles. "This opportunity was underlined emphatically by the fact that today Marks &Spencer has ordered its first vehicles from Smith. "Marks & Spencer is incredibly committed to reducing the carbon footprint of itsfleet and recognises that our solution is the most economical andenvironmentally-friendly." Enquiries: Darren Kell, Chief Executive,The Tanfield Group PlcTel. 0845 1557 755 Tom JenkinsDaniel Stewart & Company PlcTel. 020 7776 6550 Media Enquiries: Dan JenkinsThe Tanfield Group PlcTel. 0845 1557 755 ENDS This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange