A 150-year-old Leeds-based manufacturer is drastically reducing its carbon emissions, thanks to the installation of a new ‘state of the art’ solar energy system supported by funding from Lloyds Bank‘s Clean Growth Financing initiative. Kingfisher Lubrication, a leading manufacturer of high-quality grease fittings for leading global brands such as JCB and Scania, is taking a big step in its sustainability journey by installing a cutting-edge solar PV system across approximately one third of its roof space. This move will not only reduce the firm’s energy bills, but also enable Kingfisher to power 30% of its production from renewable energy sources.

The savings will assist in freeing up cash to invest in its 46-strong workforce and ensure an even ‘greener’ and happier place for them to work. Since transitioning to employee-ownership in 2020, Kingfisher has been focusing even more on implementing feedback from its employees, with sustainability coming out top of the list. The company is now looking to invest in new energy-efficient machinery to further reduce its carbon footprint, installing LED lighting throughout the factory and enhancing its recycling efforts.

Helen Thornley, financial director and company secretary at Kingfisher Lubrication, said: “We are well aware of the need for the manufacturing industry to lower its carbon footprint and we have been working hard to bring down our emissions where we can, with solar energy high on our green wish list. But with tight budgets and energy costs shooting up, that has been difficult to make happen. With Lloyds Bank’s support, we now have the foundations in place to make our ambitions a reality.

“We knew we needed support for the next leg of our journey. Thanks to Lloyds Bank’s funding, and our solar installation partner Heatsource Direct, we can now get 30% of our electricity from solar sources, save money and meet the environmental needs of our customers. It is comforting to know that Lloyds Bank is consistently there for us, ready to lend a hand whenever we need them.”

Scott Hickling, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “Helen and the team at Kingfisher Lubrication are setting the standard for fellow manufacturing firms aspiring to amplify their green efforts. Attentive to customer demands and employee desires for greater sustainability credentials, the company has made changes to its infrastructure and manufacturing processes wherever possible to minimise emissions. Lloyds is committed to standing alongside Kingfisher as the company continues to contribute to making the manufacturing sector that little bit ‘greener’, and we are here to support others on the same journey.”