Yuasa Battery (UK) Ltd, Ebbw Vale:

Company Profile

Yuasa Battery UK Ltd (YBUK) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Yuasa Corporation Japan and has been operating for more than 25 years (established 1981) manufacturing ‘Valve Regulated Lead Acid’ (VRLA) batteries to service the European industrial battery market. However, due to strong global competition, YBUK has been forced to adopt a new production/marketing strategy and is now manufacturing batteries to niche markets.

The company has successfully grown through a series of expansions from its original 4600m² to cover in excess of 27,000m². Located in Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, the company, despite downsizing, still employs over 350 people.

Achievements

• Reduced energy use by 27% since 2004, saving over    £300,000/annum, 21MKwh and approx 6000 tonnes CO₂  (1600 tonnes of carbon)
• Reduced lead waste by 42% since 2004
• Reduced water consumption by 90%

Future Plans

• Achieve national energy efficiency accreditation
• Enroll in phase two of the EU’s CO₂ trading scheme
• Introduce ‘grey’ water system
• Introduce new renewable energy schemes on site in a new partnership