Helping Werfen keep pace with NHS sustainability standards
In the UK, Werfen, manufacturer of ‘in vitro diagnostic’ medical devices for detecting diseases, conditions and infections, primarily supplies the NHS. And the NHS, in order to reduce its own Scope 3 emissions, expects sustainability progress from its suppliers.
As part of Werfen’s decarbonisation plans, the organisation was keen to electrify its field-based vehicle fleet – and to equip all on-site parking spaces with the means to charge EVs. Doing so would help:
- The NHS hit its net zero targets
- Tackle Werfen emissions associated with workforce travel
- Promote Werfen’s UK headquarters as an equipped destination for product demos and training sessions
A different conversation
Werfen had spoken to a number of potential partners about the scope for expert EV charging infrastructure support. However, it was an introduction to Drax Electric Vehicles that set the healthcare diagnostics services supplier on track.
“With Drax, it was a different conversation immediately – less of a sales pitch and more of a consultation.”
-Kiran Naidu – UK Technical Services Manager, Werfen
Drax was keen to fully understand the challenge in order to design and deliver a tailored, future-proofed charging solution. In doing so, the electrification expert changed the nature of the investment Werfen had envisaged.
Upgrading but ‘despeccing’
Drax prioritised an electrical site survey to define Werfen’s HQ’s existing capacity. Having identified the need for power expansion, the electrification expert then led discussions with the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and provided support during the necessary capacity upgrade works.
“We’ll always tailor customers’ infrastructure plans, rather than implementing ‘off the shelf’ solutions. When analysing Werfen’s requirements, we recognised that installing the most powerful hardware wasn’t necessary. By recommending more cost-effective ‘fast’ chargers, each with two ports, we were able to deliver charging efficiency and service more parking spaces.”
-Naomi Nye – Head of Sales, Drax Electric Vehicles
Implementation stations
It’s not uncommon for charging installation programmes to seriously affect site access and operational ‘business as usual’. However, the experienced Drax in-house installation team kept disruption to a minimum – despite the need to install all agreed hardware in one hit.
“During installation, the Drax team was very considerate and slick – they just got on with things without fuss.”
-Naomi Thompson – EHS & Facilities Manager, Werfen
A smooth implementation enabled Werfen to get up and running with their charging investment quickly.
Diagnosis: expansion
Since completion – and installation of charging signage – Drax has carried out firmware updates and provided Werfen with access to its My Electric Vehicles management portal. This lets the healthcare diagnostics services supplier track the cost and CO₂ savings its investment has enabled.
Next, there’s the job of extending in order to achieve Werfen’s target of providing charging facilities at every parking space. Drax is keen to support – both with this and with the provision of a rapid-charging hub to service short-stay visitors.
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