Hellens Group

Yorkshire-based manufacturing firm, Oakdale, which specialises in sustainable paving, has begun installing a two-acre solar farm as part of the company’s wider ambitions for developing zero carbon products.

Once completed, the 576 panels on the solar farm will generate approximately 300,000 kWh of clean energy per year. This is enough energy supply for the entire Catterick-based factory, which currently employs 26 workers.

Along with the solar farm, the manufacturing firm has deployed other renewable energy tactics, including the recycling of water during manufacturing, as part of its plans to deliver carbon free products in the future.

Having submitted its application for planning permission in early December 2022, Oakdale, which is owned by Hellens Group, was given the green light to begin work on its solar farm following Richmondshire District Council’s decision to approve the application in January this year.

Gavin Cordwell-Smith, chief executive of Hellens Group said: “At Oakdale, we have been undertaking extensive research and development into how we can provide sustainable products, particularly for the residential sector.

“Now that work on our solar farm is well underway, we can set our sights on becoming a market leader in the manufacturing of net zero products.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Issued on behalf of Hellens Group

Contact Josh Mason 01325 363436

About Hellens Group:

The Hellens Group, with offices in Washington, Stockton-on-Tees and Catterick, incorporates a number of property, construction, manufacturing and social enterprise businesses with interests throughout the North East, Tees Valley and Yorkshire.

The original business (John Hellens (Contracts) Ltd) was founded in 1973 to focus on the regeneration of brownfield sites; the company became leading experts in the field. Hellens Group has significantly expanded and adapted to changing market conditions, moving into sports and recreation facility construction, social housing, land and property development and investment as well as manufacturing of hard landscaping products for the building industry.

@hellensgroup

www.hellens.co.uk