A family-owned manufacturing firm in Stafford has invested in solar panels to increase the amount of renewable energy it uses – as demand for its commercial vehicles and construction equipment grows.
Bri-Stor Group, whose customers include the AA, RAC and JCB, has installed almost 2,000 solar panels at its 33-acre site in Hixon, using a £350,000 loan provided through Lloyds Bank's Clean Growth Financing Initiative.
The new panels cover more than 3,500 sq ft, helping the business to reduce its carbon footprint by 149kg each year – the equivalent of travelling more than 1,300 miles in a car.
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Andrew Humphrey, director at Bri-Stor Group, said: "We're committed to being a responsible business and sustainability is hugely important to us. Installing solar panels is an important step on our journey to becoming more environmentally-friendly. It will have long-term benefits for us when it comes to the cost of our energy bills too."
Bri-Stor Group is comprised of four different arms – Bri-Stor Systems, Alpha Manufacturing, Atlas Coating and Bri-Stor Holdings.
The energy produced will be used to meet increasing demand across its range of services, which include designing and manufacturing commercial and construction vehicles, as well as equipment for the medical and food services industries.
The solar panels also form part of the business' ambition for green growth. It is set to open a new site in the area later this year and plans to grow its team of around 400 employees.
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Lloyds Bank's Clean Growth Financing Initiative provides discounted funding to help businesses transition to a lower carbon, more sustainable future, which is a key priority for the manufacturing sector.
Last year, Lloyds expanded the funding available under the initiative from £3 billion to £5 billion to support businesses as they transition to a low carbon economy.
Nash Lal, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: "It's really encouraging to see Bri-Stor Group investing in greener energy at their site. It will make a big difference in terms of reducing carbon emissions, and demonstrates how important it is for businesses of all sizes to play their part in the country's green recovery.
"It is an exciting time for the company, with plans for a new site in the pipeline too, and it’s great to see that sustainability will remain at the heart of their growth. We will remain by their side as they continue on their journey towards a greener future."