392 solar panels installed at Northumberland factory

George Smith, which is known for its handcrafted upholstered furniture, has installed the panels on the roof of its Cramlington manufacturing site.

The company said the move is already helping to reduce energy bills and cut the company’s carbon footprint.

The 176.4 kWp solar PV system was installed by North East-based commercial solar specialists AR Power.

The system is expected to produce an estimated 167,355 kWh per year and cut CO₂e emissions by more than 37 tonnes annually.

Stephen Armstrong, head of commercial at AR Power, said: “It’s fantastic to see the system up and running, already delivering energy savings for George Smith.

“From the outset, their team was engaged, clear in their objectives, and a pleasure to work with.

“Our project manager worked closely with them throughout to ensure expectations were met at every stage – and we’re proud to have completed the installation on time, with no disruption to their day-to-day operations.”

The solar system was designed and installed entirely by AR Power’s in-house team.

The company ensured the installation was carried out with minimal disruption to George Smith’s operations.

Safety and efficiency were prioritised throughout the process ensuring full compliance with CDM requirements.

To ensure safety, scaffolding was put in place along with a Haki staircase for roof access, and a 17m telehandler was used to lift equipment to the roof.

AR Power also managed the installation of permanent roof access and fall restraint systems for future maintenance.

Jim Athey, UK managing director at George Smith, said: “This installation marks a major milestone in our journey towards greater sustainability – something that is incredibly important to us as a business.

“The AR Power team made the whole process incredibly smooth – clear communication, minimal disruption, and a very neat and efficient job delivered on time.

“AR Power have a strong track record of delivering large, complex projects to the highest standards.

“That reputation, combined with their upfront and proactive approach to health and safety (particularly important for any roof work) helped build trust and made them the clear choice.

“So far, the system is exceeding expectations.

“We’re already seeing the benefits in terms of energy savings and reduced costs.

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“It’s a smart investment for our future and another step towards becoming a more environmentally responsible business.”

This project adds to a suite of sustainability measures already in place at George Smith’s factory, including LED lighting upgrades, investment in energy-efficient machinery, and improved recycling systems.

The company said these initiatives align with their commitment to responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and more energy-efficient operations.