A specialist lighting manufacturer has made a £1.2 million investment in a new factory site. Sondia Lighting) officially opened its 14,500ft₂ factory on 27 March at Hull’s I-Park development (www.sondialighting.co.uk.

Sondia, which was sold by Humber Electrical Engineering Co to Southgate Lighting last year, says that it is “looking to capitalise on the growth of the renewables market”.

The new factory will allow it to double production of its specialist marine lighting for offshore support vessels. Since the take-over, the firm has recruited five more members of staff, and it plans to recruit another 10 over the next three years. The relocation has been supported by £100,000 from the Regional Growth Fund for the fit-out and equipment.

Gordon Taylor, managing director of Sondia Lighting (pictured left), said: “The grant has contributed to a significant investment in Sondia Lighting, which will help us take advantage of more opportunities in the growing renewable-energy sector.

“It has also helped us retain existing jobs in the city and create further employment. We already have some major renewables projects in the pipeline, and we are looking forward to building on our credentials and accessing further opportunities here in our region.”