Following 70 years of success as market-leading manufacturers, Cornwall Manufacturers Group member Flann Microwave launched a refresh to their brand this year to better reflect their growth and goals for the future.
Flann operate in the manufacturing space for precision RF, microwave and millimetric products, solutions and services. Their products reach far and wide and across sectors including aerospace and defence, security, and SATCOM and spaceflight. All of this takes place in their purpose-built factory and business premises, spanning 1800m2 in Bodmin, Cornwall.
With such a strong history, they took major steps into a more sustainable future with a roof mounted solar PV system from CleanEarth. Flann’s journey first started around two years ago when they were reviewing their high energy consumption. The decision to explore reducing this cost became a priority, and with a flat roof structure already in place a possible solution of solar PV was a natural fit.
To see this through they engaged in a nationwide tender process, using a selection criterion with several specifications; including cost and how quickly the installation could take place. When Flann was ready to move forward with solar, our team of in-house installers designed and built a system to suit their energy needs. With 352 modules, this installation comes with an annual yield of 164,000 kWh, saving 38 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year. In that system’s lifetime, 900 tonnes of carbon will be saved and over half a million pounds in energy costs.
The manufacturing industry is seeing increased pressure to develop sustainable programs, as suppliers are asking for evidence of net zero credentials and consumers are demanding sustainability. Flann embraced a sustainable energy mix with the support of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, showcasing that with a range of financing options available the business case for companies like Flann is very clear.
Solar PV can be a crucial element of many manufacturer’s sustainability goals, and with the wealth of financial options available hurdles like the initial capex outlay don’t have to hinder those goals. Flann have set a strong example, amidst a series of Cornish businesses taking strides in sustainability.
