Following a significant investment in renewable energy, timber importer and distributer Premier Forest Products has further improved its already glowing environmental credentials.

The installation of a 250 kWh solar array system at its two sawmills in Croespenmaen, Caerphilly and Lostwithiel, Cornwall will dramatically reduce on-site electricity use by up to 30%. Energy produced will be used to meet the power needs of their main offices, warehouses and machinery, with any remaining power being transferred to Western Grid.

Joe Walker, Managing Director of Premier Forest Products – one of the largest companies in Wales - said: “As a business which prides itself on our environmental credentials, this was a natural step for us. We work hard to ensure that our timber supplies are sustainable so it made sense to move our energy requirements in the same direction.”

This investment follows a similar move last year, which saw a 200kw solar array installed at the company’s headquarters in Newport, South Wales.

Joe added: “The investment in Newport has already reaped dividends with our utility bills dropping significantly and next month we are taking this a step further by installing a number of electric vehicle charge points for use by employee’s and visitors.

“It was always our intention to roll the scheme out to our other sites. We are constantly looking at ways to improve our operations and we hope that the solar panels in Croespenmaen and Lostwithiel will benefit the business in the long term.”

Premier Forest Products plans further PV solar installations across its UK sites and is looking at additional ways to lead the sector though CHP, water management, and reduction in on-side energy demands.

Premier is one of the UK’s leading independent importers and distributors of timber and panel products. Based in Newport, the company has operations in Birmingham, Bristol and Uxbridge.