Leading refuse collection vehicle manufacturer GEESINKNORBA has declared the IFAT trade show in Germany in September to be a great success.

The company, which designs and builds award-winning RCVs and leads the industry in innovative green technology, used the show to meet customers from across Europe and also promote its recently established network of sales and customer support services in Germany.

GEESINKNORBA Chief Executive Mr Theo Lemmen said business was brisk and there was huge interest in the company’s extensive and innovative product range, much of which was new to the German market.

“I am delighted with the way the show went. It was a great opportunity to showcase our products and services to customers and potential customers across the whole of Europe and from the rest of the world too. Our stand was very busy with a great atmosphere and a lot of business was done.

“We were particularly keen to address the German visitors to our stand as we’re currently expanding our operations in their market and this really couldn’t have gone better. Here, there was enormous interest in our product range which features some very innovative technology. Although it has been tried and tested elsewhere in Europe, many people from Germany had not seen it before.

“Of particular interest were our Plug-in Electric vehicles which have won awards elsewhere in Europe based on their massive fuel-saving potential which reduces running costs and carbon emissions. This technology, which is available on vehicles across our range and which has been operational in other parts of Europe for some time, is ideally suited to the German market and consequently caused great excitement.

“We’re now following up this genuine interest at the show with further meetings so it promises to be a very busy time for GEESINKNORBA in Germany.”

To contact GEESINKNORBA in Germany, please call: Carsten Schade on +49 511 8759 236 or email carsten.schade@geesinknorba.com

GeesinkNorba’s Plug-in Electric vehicle has landed a top green accolade in the UK by winning the prestigious Best New Technology title at the National Recycling Awards.

GEESINKNORBA wins National Recycling AwardUK Business Director Geoff Rigg (centre) receives GeesinkNorba’s award for Best New Technology at the National Recycling Awards from Martin Davies (left) of the sponsors MACH-TECH and compére Hugh Dennis (right).

The innovative battery-powered vehicle, which was launched in the UK in 2009, beat off stiff opposition to win the award because of its ability to reduce environmental impact through more sustainable management of wastes and resources.

GeesinkNorba UK Business Director, Geoff Rigg, said: “It’s very encouraging to see our efforts in developing green technology being recognised well beyond our industry on such a prestigious platform as the National Recycling Awards.”

“I feel very proud at what GeesinkNorba has achieved with our innovative Plug-in Electric vehicles but it should also bring home to all of us in our particular industry just how important our role is and what an important contribution we have to make to the future.

“The Plug-in Electric vehicles have already proven themselves by producing outstanding fuel and cost savings but we’re still finding new ways to improve their performance. It’s a great use of technology which is leading to a major reduction in carbon emissions and fuel costs for operators across Britain.

The Plug-in Electric vehicles were launched in the UK in May, following six years of testing and development in Sweden. They use electric power to operate the lifting, crushing and compacting systems and were designed to reduce diesel consumption and carbon emissions and cut energy costs for operators.

GeesinkNorba Chief Executive Officer, Theo Lemmen, said: “We’ve already won awards and recognition from within our industry for these outstanding refuse collection vehicles but this award took a much broader perspective and considered innovation from all walks of life, so it can leave nobody in any doubt that GeesinkNorba is leading the way forward in green and cost-efficient technology. The rest of the world is watching us and asking us to find solutions and that’s what we’re doing at GeesinkNorba.”

Since their UK launch, Plug-in Electric vehicles have gone into service with local authorities and private contractors across Europe and produced a range of outstanding fuel savings in different operating conditions. Typically customers can expect fuel savings in excess of 20% and often considerably more depending on the type of rounds in which they operate and the way operators use the vehicle.

The Best New Technology category in the National Recycling Awards was presented by Martin Davies of the sponsors MACH-TECH, and comedian Hugh Dennis who was compére for the evening at the Hilton Hotel in London’s Park Lane on Thursday July 15th.

The judges were Dr Adam Read, the Practice Lead for Waste Management & Resource Efficiency at AEA; Bob Gordon, Head of Environment at the British Retail Consortium (BRC); Dee Maloney, Managing Director of LRS; Duncan Simpson, Director of Sales and Marketing at Valpak Limited; Emma Maier, editor of LGC; Mike Webster of Waste Watch; Kensington & Chelsea Councillor Nick Paget-Brown with responsibility for environmental issues; Paul Sanderson, editor of MRW and Phillip Ward, Director for Local Government Services and Wales with WRAP.

GeesinkNorba will be showing off two special products at the show – including the market leading combi-split and a multi-chambered vehicle for food waste.

The food waste vehicle has a 2.7m3 Pod on a MF300 multifraction body which gives it three separate chambers. Each is sealed to ensure different waste streams remain uncontaminated.

The flexible and highly efficient combination of a multifraction MF300 vehicle with Pods have become increasingly popular as the drive for efficient food waste collection gathers pace throughout the UK.

The Combi-split hoist also offers operators tremendous flexibility. It switches from trade lift to fully automatic split lift instantaneously, offering outstanding performance in each and it can be used as an open back vehicle just as easily.

In automatic split mode the hoist matches the lifting speeds of any dedicated split lift on the market.

Both vehicles on show will also be fitted with GeesinkNorba’s outstanding new Eurovim Plus telemetrics system which is available across their full range of products. It enables operators to manage fleets and individual vehicles with maximum efficiency including the optimisation of fuel consumption and performance training for individual drivers.

GEESINKNORBA will show off Europe’s greenest refuse collection vehicle among its product range at Aviemore.

GEESINKNORBA’s Plug-in Electric vehicle offers reduced Carbon emissions as well as fuel and cost savings

The Plug-in Electric vehicle, which was named Vehicle of the Year by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) last November, uses electricity from a battery mounted behind the cab to power the bin lifts, the crushing and compaction mechanisms which handle the refuse in the body of the vehicle and the tipping mechanisms for removing the refuse.

The engine which drives the vehicle plays no part in loading which leads to major savings in fuel, carbon emissions and operating costs. It also results in a further reduction of noise levels, the sound of a large diesel engine revving being replaced by the hum of an electric motor.

The battery contains enough electricity to comfortably power the vehicle throughout the most demanding of shifts, at the end of which it can simply be recharged by plugging it into a mains power supply. Alternatively, it can be charged by power take-off (PTO) from the diesel engine as the vehicle operates.

Whichever form of charging is used, the savings remain very significant. GEESINKNORBA is anticipating fuel savings will be in excess of 20%. Several local authorities in Scotland have already placed orders for the Plug-in Electric vehicle and GEESINKNORBA is arranging trials with others.

Around 100 guests turned out at a food waste seminar and demonstration held at GEESINKNORBA’s UK headquarters in Llantrisant, South Wales.

UK Business Director Geoff Rigg

The event was organised by GEESINKNORBA and the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and speakers included Owain Griffiths from the Welsh Local Government Association who outlined the legislation local authorities will have to comply with and Rebecca Huck from the CIWM who discussed the opportunities and challenges of recycling food waste from commercial outlets.

There was also a demonstration of GEESINKNORBA’s extensive range of vehicles including those already widely used in the collection of food waste. The MF series of multifraction vehicles including some with pods attracted particular interest along with GEESINKNORBA’s own S500 lift.

There was also the hint of what’s to come from the leading RCV manufacturer with a preview of designs for a new multifraction vehicle with two pods that GEESINKNORBA is ready to develop.

UK Business Director Geoff Rigg, who hosted the event, said:
“We were very pleased with the turn-out with around 100 people at the event, some of who had come from as far away as Scotland. It brought into focus the different aspects of recycling food waste that need to be addressed by the sector.

“It also gave us a great chance to show off a wide range of our products – including those leading the way in food waste collections – to customers who don’t always get the chance to see them all together and compare the different vehicles.”

Veolia Environmental Services has joined GEESINKNORBA and Volvo Trucks to launch what promises to be the greenest refuse collection vehicle ever seen in Britain.

In a two-year pilot scheme, Veolia will be testing the vehicle that combines a diesel-electric hybrid engine, built by Volvo Trucks, with a fully electric body, built by GEESINKNORBA, the first time this highly energy-efficient combination has ever been used in this country.

Consequently, the vehicle has the potential to deliver huge fuel and cost savings and a major reduction in carbon emissions, as emphasised by the deliberately-chosen registration plate: LCO2 LOW.

The trial in the Marylebone and Lisson Grove area of the City of Westminster will identify exactly what savings can be made in frontline operation in a densely populated, urban environment. A similar vehicle already operating in Sweden has shown savings of around 30% on fuel and carbon emissions compared to standard diesel-powered vehicles.

The vehicle is driven by ‘parallel hybrid technology’ meaning it has two separate energy sources – one a diesel engine and the other an electric motor – which can be used either separately or together. The benefit of this is that each energy source can be used where it is most efficient: the electric motor at low revs and the diesel engine at high revs. It also means that it is appreciably quieter to drive than a conventional diesel vehicle.

When starting off from rest, only the electric motor is working. At higher speeds the diesel engine is activated and the two work together. At normal road speeds, the diesel engine provides power like a traditional truck. At low speeds it behaves more like an electric vehicle. During braking, the electric motor works as an engine brake, reducing brake wear and recovering braking energy.

The bin lifts and the crushing and compaction mechanisms, which handle the refuse in the body of the vehicle, and the tipping mechanisms for removing the refuse are all electrically powered from a separate battery mounted behind the cab.

The engine plays no part in loading and can even be switched off instead of being revved-up as it is in a conventional vehicle, which creates major savings in fuel and carbon emissions. It also results in a further reduction of noise levels, the sound of a large diesel engine being replaced by the hum of an electric motor, which benefits residents and the vehicle’s operators alike.

Normally, the battery will contain enough electricity to comfortably power the crushing and compaction mechanisms throughout the most demanding of rounds. However, should it ever need it, the battery can easily be recharged by power take-off through the hybrid engine. At the end of the round it can also simply be recharged by plugging it into a mains power supply ready for the next day’s work.

Veolia Environmental Services’ chief executive officer, Jean-Dominique Mallet, commented: “As the UK’s leading waste management company, our objective is to explore and develop the greenest technologies and we have an enviable track record in pioneering the latest advancements in carbon-cutting and efficiency-maximising technology.

“We see the benefits for residents as being two-fold: firstly the environmental benefits in terms of carbon emissions and secondly the reduction in noise pollution. We hope the relative silence is golden!

“We are proud to be making history in our industry by introducing the hybrid vehicle into our prestigious Westminster contract and we firmly believe that the trial will prove to be highly successful in achieving its goals.”

Councillor Danny Chalkley, Westminster Council’s cabinet member for ity management, said: “This is the greenest bin lorry in the country and we are proud that we are the first city in Britain to take it up. We have led the way on electric car charging points, so ensuring our own fleet adopts the very latest technology is the logical progression for us.

“We want clean streets, clean air and a clean environment and this trial recognises the potential that hybrid-fuelled vehicles will play in the future and demonstrates our commitment to improving the environment.”

Volvo Trucks managing director, Göran Nyberg, says: “We are particularly proud that Veolia Environmental Services, which is an international company renowned for its emphasis on the development and fostering of green technology, is among the first to harness the benefits of the Volvo Trucks FE hybrid refuse collection vehicle.

He added: “The company has been studying hybrid technology since the 1980s and has had an advanced engineering project under way since 2002: The latest FE Hybrid represents a significant stride forward for environmentally-friendly automotive technology. Caring for the environment is one of Volvo’s core values. Volvo Trucks were the first to have a carbon neutral truck manufacturing plant and we even use an underground river to cool our cab factory in Sweden.

“Now, as fuel prices have increased to around 35% of transport operating costs and awareness of climate change grows, everyone is asking what solution vehicle manufacturers can offer? We believe that the Volvo FE Hybrid is definitely part of that solution.”

GEESINKNORBA chief executive officer Nandit Gandhi said: “GEESINKNORBA continues their pioneering efforts in the Hybrid Technology to provide leading edge solutions in the waste management field, partnering with our customers. The plug-in electric body has been developed for all the major products in all sizes across GEESINKNORBA’s UK range and it is designed to fit any chassis.

“We’ve worked very closely with our colleagues in Veolia and Volvo to enable this landmark vehicle to be produced and we’re confident that it will be a huge success here in Westminster and will play a key role in the green revolution sweeping through our industry.”

GEESINKNORBA’s Plug-in Electric vehicle has scooped a top green honour by winning the prestigious Vehicle of the Year title at the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management’s (CIWM) Awards for Environmental Excellence.

The innovative battery powered vehicle, which was launched in the UK in May 2009, beat off stiff opposition to win the title because of its ability to reduce environmental impact through more sustainable management of wastes and resources.

GEESINKNORBA chief executive officer Nandit Gandhi said: “It’s very encouraging to see our pioneering efforts in developing green technology being recognised by the industry. We will continue to expand the boundaries to produce attractive solutions in the waste management field partnering with our customers in the process.

“While we will certainly look on this as a landmark achievement, it’s actually just the start of the process for GEESINKNORBA as we strive for excellence in providing waste management solutions for our customers with the support of our parent company Platinum Equity, which acquired GEESINKNORBA in July 2009.”

The vehicle was launched in the UK in May, following six years of testing and development in Sweden. It uses electric power to operate the lifting, crushing and compacting systems. It was designed to meet three key objectives; reducing diesel consumption and carbon emissions and cutting energy costs for operators.

UK Business Director Geoff Rigg said: “It’s a fitting and prestigious award for a tremendous vehicle which can make a major reduction in carbon emissions and fuel costs for operators across Britain. We are very proud that the CIWM and the rest of the industry has recognised our efforts.

“There are many changes sweeping through our industry and new doors opening for a progressive company like GEESINKNORBA. Now, with the support and commitment of Platinum Equity behind us, we are in an excellent position to seize those opportunities.”

Since its UK launch, the Plug-in Electric vehicle has been tested by numerous local authorities and private contractors and produced a range of outstanding fuel savings in different operating conditions. Results of these fuel saving tests are currently being analysed and will be announced in the coming weeks. The vehicle will also start an extensive two-year pilot scheme with other commercial partners in the UK later this month.

The Vehicle of the Year award was sponsored by Hopkinsons Fairdeals and presented by the managing director Paul Askew at the event hosted by Dragon’s Den investor Deborah Meaden in London’s Dorchester Hotel on Wednesday November 11th.

judges were chief economist at the Freight Transport Association (FTA) Simon Chapman, Trevor Hay of the Health and Safety Executive, Daily Express environment editor John Ingham, President of the CIWM Terry March, Jane Milne of the British Retail Consortium, Dr Liz Goodwin of Waste and Resources Action Programme, Stephen Didsbury of the CIWM and Owen Jenkins of the Construction Research &Information Association.

The world’s first plug-in electric refuse collection vehicle, launched in the UK by Llantrisant manufacturer GEESINKNORBA in May, was the centre of attention at the Futuresource show in the ExCel Centre in London’s Docklands.

Among the visitors to the stand was Lord Mayor of London Boris Johnson who was keen to see the new plug-in vehicle which will be assembled in Wales. The lifting, crushing and compaction machinery is powered by a battery which is charged overnight by simply plugging it into an electric socket.

The truck subsequently has a zero emissions output, offers significant fuel savings and remains almost silent when crushing and compacting waste, enabling it to work at any time in the day without disturbing people.

“Boris was very keen to witness it for himself,” said Geoff Rigg, Head of UK Business at GEESINKNORBA.

“He had a special interest in it and he’d obviously been briefed not only on its environmental and cost-saving credentials but also on the fact that we are the biggest supplier of RCVs to the London boroughs. Two of them are actually leading the way with the first plug-in electric vehicles: Hammersmith and Fulham, through their contractor Serco, have already started a pilot scheme, while Westminster, through Veolia, will be starting later this year.”

‘GEESINKNORBA can thrive after acquisition’

On July 1st, Platinum Equity completed the acquisition of The GEESINKNORBA Group from Oshkosh Corporation and promptly pledged to help it thrive as an independent company.

Platinum Equity is a global firm specialising in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, telecommunications, logistics, metals services, manufacturing and distribution.

Since its founding in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has completed nearly 100 acquisitions with more than $27.5 billion in aggregate annual revenue at the time of acquisition.

After completing the acquisition, which was first announced on May 4th, Tom Gores, Platinum Equity Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: “GEESINKNORBA is an established business with talented employees and long-standing relationships with valued customers.

“The company has an extraordinary opportunity to thrive as an independent business and we look forward to helping it reach its full potential.

“We are now focused on executing a seamless and efficient transition, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and customer service.”

As usual, the financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed but Oshkosh will retain ownership of its Romanian facility that supplies fabrications to both GEESINKNORBA and JLG Industries, an Oshkosh Corporation company.

A transition team of Platinum Equity’s in-house operations specialists is currently working to establish the newly acquired business as a standalone company.

“We worked hard with Oshkosh to create a divestiture solution that meets the diverse needs of all interested parties,” said Seth Romans, Vice President at Platinum, who lead the transaction team.

“Our ability to offer a European solution to a US-based corporate seller, and to execute with speed and certainty, worked to everyone’s advantage.”

Platinum has an active and growing presence in Europe, working from the firm’s London-based European headquarters. With significant financial resources, a unique operations-focused investment approach, and experience executing complex European transactions, Platinum offers customised solutions to sellers and is actively seeking new opportunities.

The UK’s first plug-in electric waste collection vehicle has been officially launched by GEESINKNORBA today (Wednesday, May 13th) offering major environmental and cost benefits to operators.

It uses electric power to lift and empty bins and crush and compact waste material which it does almost silently and with zero emissions.

Conventional vehicles use their diesel engines to power these operations which limits the hours in which waste can be collected because of the noise factor. But the plug-in electric vehicle gives operators the potential to work any time without disturbing people.

It is being assembled at GEESINKNORBA’s factory in Llantrisant, South Wales and Jane Davidson, the Welsh Assembly Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, was on hand to officially launch it in Cardiff.

Environment, Sustainability and Housing Minister Jane Davidson said: “Climate change is the greatest challenge facing Wales and the world. A key part of how we face up to this challenge will be the use of new technology, which will bring new economic opportunities for companies in Wales.

“GEESINKNORBA is a great example of how we can make the most of these potential green jobs, with 140 people employed on site at Llantrisant making a world class product. This low emission truck, built here in Wales, shows how electric vehicles will play an important part in a low carbon future.

“Coal from Wales powered the industrial revolution of the 19th century that made the modern world. The Welsh Assembly Government now wants Wales to lead the way again with the new green technology revolution.”

Chris Tecca, Group Managing Director of GEESINKNORBA which is based in The Netherlands, said: “The launch of this vehicle in the UK marks a significant step forward in the waste collection and recycling industry. Not only is it more environmentally friendly than anything else on the market but it also offers real savings to operators.

The lifting, crushing and compaction operation is powered by a 1.2 tonne battery which is situated over the front axle to avoid impacting on the payload. It is fully charged overnight by plugging it into an electric socket, enabling the collection of 15 to 16 tonnes of waste material but there is also an option to recharge the battery by power take off (PTO) during the round.

Interest from the waste and recycling industry has been intense as it comes under pressure to become even greener while reducing costs and improving efficiency. Orders are already being taken and the first plug-in electric vehicles will be going to two of the UK’s biggest contractors – Serco, for use in Hammersmith and Fulham, and Veolia.

Geoff Rigg, GEESINKNORBA’s UK Business Director, said: “The vehicle itself is tried and tested – it’s been in operational use in Sweden for six years where it has proven a major success. It is available across all our main product ranges and works with the full range of chassis from different manufacturers.

“There is nothing like it on the market so it’s attracting a huge amount of interest. However, the maximum benefits will be gained when operators use it in conjunction with other key products.

“GEESINKNORBA has recently launched a new bin lift – the S500 – which operates as either a fully automatic high performance split lift or as a front line trade lift. The plug-in electric vehicle and the S500 lift working together on one vehicle represents the future of RCV design and manufacturing. The same combination also offers the potential for great savings, especially for someone operating a fleet of these vehicles as they won’t need to buy and run as many to meet their needs.

“And as recycling and the collection of food waste become increasingly important, our MF50 multi-faction pods come into their own by enabling operators to collect and keep separate different waste material at the same time. It means fewer journeys and significant fuel and time savings, especially when combining an MF50 pod with a plug-in electric body on one vehicle.

“Once again GEESINKNORBA is providing a vital one-stop shop where we put the different components together to provide the finished refuse collection vehicle and follow it up with after-sales support that is recognised as the best in the industry.

“The new electric plug-in vehicle and our other new products show we are leading the way in developing the refuse collection and recycling industry. It’s good news for the environment, good news for the whole industry and good news for GEESINKNORBA.”