LDV receives national award

LDV is celebrating after receiving the national accolade of UK Company of the Year 2007 from the Institute of Transport Management.

The Birmingham-based company was honoured by the Institute for an outstanding achievement business turnaround fighting off steep competition from 16 other companies to become the UK winners, with Virgin Trains and British Midlands Airlines finishing as runners-up.

Commenting on the award which formed part of the Institute’s 30th anniversary celebrations, Mr Patrick Sheedy, director of media and PR said: “This announcement comes as a result of the Institute’s most extensive researching of the entire transport industry.

“LDV, a company with very strong British roots, has maintained its identity throughout good times and bad, and today sits at the top of what is an ultra-competitive light commercial vehicle market.

“Since its recent takeover, the sterling work undertaken by Steve Young, Steve Miller and Tony Lewis in particular has been nothing short of amazing. Tremendous credit is also due to the staff at LDV for making this result possible.” added Patrick.

LDV’s chief executive, Steve Young feels this award will continue to strengthen the company’s presence within the industry: “We are very proud to receive this prestigious award after what has been a remarkable 12 months. Investment from GAZ Group has provided us with the resource for investment in new products allowing us to double our manufacturing line rates, increase our UK sales volumes by 50 per cent and enter into new markets.”

The investment has seen a new £6 million production line installed, and has led to more new product launches for LDV including the MAXUS chassis cab range, a 12 and 17-seat MAXUS minibus, a bi-purpose range and two new engines.

The new product ranges and the increased levels of sales in the UK and export markets will see around 100 new jobs created by the end of 2007 adding to the 140 already created since the GAZ takeover.

Mr Sheedy concluded: “This is a remarkable achievement for a remarkable company. I am delighted to be inviting LDV back to the Institute’s awards table- this time as UK Company of the Year 2007.”

The Institute of Transport Management represents all forms of transport disciplines including land, sea, and air. It works in unison with the government and academic bodies to monitor, improve standards and professionalism in the transport industry.