A UK lighting manufacturer of highly robust, durable and energy-efficient lighting solutions has announced the opening of its new headquarters in Sutton. The resource efficient building has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating. This new purpose-built 70,000sq ft site has doubled manufacturer Designplan’s working factory space and will allow increased production capacity to further reduce lead-times and allow the company to accelerate the development and marketing of product innovations. The new site will also allow for many new jobs to be created in addition to the 144 current staff.

The new factory incorporates a number of green features, designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind. Its state of the art energy efficient lighting is controlled by photocells, sensors and timers for efficient electricity use. The factory also includes an efficient paint plant and solar panel on the roof, natural light panels, and water collection, in an effort to use resources more efficiently. All these features have contributed to the new factory being awarded a BREEAM Excellent rating.

“As a company, we are committed to continually setting industry standards and pushing forward with the latest techniques and materials,” said Paul Williamson, Managing Director. “At a time of unprecedented transition and transformation in business generally and the lighting industry specifically, nothing matters more than our ability to innovate and serve our customers. The opening of this exciting expansion is the perfect platform for us to raise the bar even higher on the design and innovation of our products. The new factory will allow us to streamline our business processes and bring our customers an even greater range of energy-efficient and robust lighting solutions,” he said.

The company makes vandal and weather resistant lighting for use in transport, social housing, custodial, secure healthcare and urban environments. Projects include Gatwick Airport, London Overground, St. Pancras Station, HM Prison Oakwood and Stade de France in Paris. The company’s best-known and most widely specified fittings include the Tuscan, Quadrant, Torino, Parkalux and Mission ranges.

“We are looking forward to making the most of our expanded facilities and workforce to bring exciting new product innovations to the market,” Mr Williamson said.