Industry & Business

Armagh-based food producer, Linwoods has invested in 200 rooftop solar panels as part of a significant £2 million development of its Armagh 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.

Major Investment Programme Gets Underway at Armagh Bakery / 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.

Mel Courtney, General Manager of Kingspan Energy said: “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 said:  “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.

“We also want to show in tangible ways that our commitment to wellbeing and responsible lifestyles is not restricted to our healthy product lines.  By working closely with Kingspan Energy on this innovative project, we manage energy costs and commit to greener policies: that’s a real win-win!”

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

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.

Linwoods, established in 1965, is a family owned company that manufacturer a range of Premium Bakery, Dairy and Healthy Super Foodswhich. The company employs almost 300 people and is  selling its healthy super food products throughout Ireland, the UK, Europe and the USA.