FDBusiness.com

Armagh-based food producer Linwoods, which employs almost 300 people and is known for its premium bakery products, fresh dairy and health foods, has invested in 200 rooftop solar panels as part of a significant £2 million development of its site. Linwoods has appointed Kingspan Energy to install a new 50kW solar PV system which will create savings of £355,000 for the company over the next 25 years.

Mel Courtney, General Manager of Kingspan Energy, says: “Solar PV energy is a growing resource in Northern Ireland’s renewable energy sector.   It is helping companies like Linwood’s make significant long term savings in its energy bills and operate in a much more environmentally friendly way, generating electricity in different energy conditions and climates including overcast days as well as sunny ones.

“Linwoods’ PV system offers a financial return of almost £15,000 annually and £355,000 over the 25 years, generating 872,000kWh of green electricity as well as offsetting 453 tonnes of CO2.  A PV system works by converting daylight into electricity. It is the only cost-effective and widely used renewable technology that guarantees the on-site production of green electricity and it can be fitted on a new building or as part of a refurbishment project.”

John Woods, Managing Director of Linwoods, says:  “Our business is strongly focused on innovation, development and growth. Therefore, it is important that we look at all aspects of continuous improvement.  The Solar PV installation not only generates a financial return in reducing our energy costs but is an excellent way of reducing CO2 emissions. Of course we are delighted to be in a position to use proven new technology to help us to manage energy costs, but the benefits to the environment are not to be under-estimated.  We value our rural location in the heart of ‘Orchard County’ and we are eager to demonstrate our respect for this beautiful corner of Ireland by being environmentally aware and responsible.”

Established 50 years ago, family run company has grown into a multi-million pound manufacturing and distribution business, with an extensive and developing international customer base. Linwoods has recently invested in new, state of the art technology, re-designed packaging and an extended product range for the bakery division reinforcing the company’s commitment to meeting consumers’ changing needs, and keeping the family-owned business ahead in the dairy, bakery and health foods sectors.

CAPTION:

John Woods, (left) Managing Director and Patrick Woods, Sales & Marketing Director, Linwoods are pictured with Mel Courtney, General Manager, UK and Ireland, Kingspan Energy Ltd with a sample of one of the 200 rooftop solar panels which is being installed as part of a £2million development at the companies Armagh site.