THE PHILIPS factory at Simonstone has become the first of the company's UK sites to gain a top green award.

The factory, which manufactures glass screens for TVs and colour monitor tubes, has been accredited to the European Community Eco-Management and Audit Scheme standard.

This is awarded to companies who prove that they meet stringent standards in the control of waste energy conservation and environmental issues.

"This is an important milestone and we expect to obtain significant competitive advantage from the award," said a Philips spokesman.

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