UP install solar panels at Manor Mill site

Pictured (left to right) are: Michael Gizauskas, UP's Operations Coordinator, Rachel Harrison, Buyer and Sophie Longmire, Marketing Assistant

Ultimate Products, the owner of a number of leading homeware brands including Salter (the UK's oldest houseware brand, est.1760) and Beldray (est.1872), has installed solar panels on the roof of Manor Mill, the Group's Grade II listed head office building in Oldham.

The initiative, undertaken by NPS Solar, a renewable energy systems company also based in Oldham, is part of a wider focus by Ultimate Products on the critically important area of environmental sustainability, and came about as a result of the Group’s desire to improve the sustainability of its operations, achieve its net zero targets and mitigate the effects of surging global energy prices.

In total, 1,150 panels have been installed, covering approximately 85% of Manor Mill’s roof. It is anticipated that the panels will start generating energy later this month and, once at full capacity, are expected to produce 40% of Manor Mill’s energy requirements.

As a result, the expected payback period for the solar panels is approximately three years.

Ultimate Products will also assess the feasibility of installing solar panels on the roof of Heron Mill, the Group's 240,000 sq. ft. warehousing facility, which is also located in Oldham.

Jill Easterbrook, Non-Executive Director and Chair of Ultimate Products’ ESG Committee, said: “Manor Mill’s new solar panels are a prime example of Ultimate Products’ constant search for ways to reduce its impact on the environment.

"We are confident that they will also prove to be a great investment, helping us to save money on energy bills.

"I am particularly delighted that they could be installed with the help of a local Oldham-based firm, whose stellar work has helped to preserve Oldham’s architectural heritage while ensuring our head office meets the needs of the 21st century.

"While we are pleased with the progress of our environmental initiatives so far, we know there is a lot more for us to do in this area, and we look forward to setting out a more comprehensive ESG strategy later this year.”

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