Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom manufacturer J & J Ormerod has announced it is investing £400k to install solar panels to reduce energy bills at its main base. The independent company, which has sites across Rossendale in Lancashire, says it already has green credentials as more than 10 years ago it introduced a waste extraction system coupled with a biomass boiler to turn all waste products into heating for its manufacturing premises.
MD Stephen Greenhalgh said: “We have already switched to motion-sensor LED lighting and power factor correction equipment which regulates the flow of power to machinery so it only gets exactly what it is using and we have won numerous green awards over a number of years.”
The company is one of the largest employers in Rossendale but has always shied away from solar because of the rainy local climate. However, with soaring energy prices, and fixed-term supplier agreements coming to an end, it says the time was right to look again at alternative and renewable sources of energy. Harvesting power from the River Irwell was not an option, so the installation of solar panels was re-examined.
Stephen said: “We did due diligence and have selected a provider and we will be installing solar panels on the roof of Olive Mill and Avalon House in Bacup. In four years’ time, the panels will have paid for themselves and we will have reduced our energy bills by 10%. If it proves its worth, as we expect it to do, then we will be rolling it out across all our company buildings where we can use the power that is generated.”
He said the benefits would be two-fold: firstly, being green is better for the environment and it is an investment in the future for us all and secondly, it is economically smart to be green. The company has already invested in a range of electric vehicles and hybrids for local staff and area sales managers.
He added: “The solar panels are a huge investment, but it is future proofing our business. There is a drive for renewable energy sources and it is up to us to do what we can to minimise fossil fuel usage.”
Pictured: JJO’s Avalon House, Bacup, where solar panels will be fitted.
