July 9, 2008 - Rolls-Royce is extending the reach of its new green manufacturing facility in Goodwood, U.K., selecting parts suppliers based on their ability to deliver the most product for the fewest miles driven, International Herald Tribune reports.

The company's purchasing department works closely with its parts suppliers to ensure that the process is as efficient as possible. For example, parts are first consolidated at a BMW Group plant (BMW owns Rolls-Royce) and then trucked to the manufacturing plant in Goodwood in full loads.

Most interestingly, the company appears to select suppliers based on their ability to transport parts with the least amount of wasted space. "The packaging of the parts that they supply is an intrinsic part of the discussions," says Graham Biggs, head of corporate communications for Rolls-Royce.

Pallets are made from reusable materials specially designed to transport specific car parts, says Biggs.

"It's unlikely that the materials we get come in throwaway packaging - they're much more likely to come on metal frames specifically designed to hold that particular piece," he explains. "When that piece is added to the car, those frames are stacked and then go back to the supplier on the delivery truck."

The company takes environmental concerns into consideration when looking at the materials used in making the cars as well. By using water-based paints and waxes on the cars, for example, the manufacturer can then recycle the wastewater for use in other testing processes.