Electropak engineers a low-carbon solution

Lancashire engineering business Electropak is benefitting from a greener, lower-cost future thanks to the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan’s) Making Carbon Work (MaCaW) project. Preston-based Electropak worked with MaCaW’s expert advisers to identify ways to shrink its carbon footprint as well as its energy bills. The company is now applying for grant funding for 50 per cent of the cost of carbon-saving measures installed as a result of the scheme.

Assessing Electropak’s business and energy needs

Established April 1986, Electropak turns over £2.5m and employs nearly 30 staff to manufacture complete engineering projects. Its services include laser and waterjet cutting, milling and turning, and sheet metal fabrication as well as painting and powder coating. The business is based in Preston and owns a second major facility at Bushell Mill, which was used for the carbon assessment.

How the process delivers tangible rewards

MaCaW project manager, Joshua Balmer, worked closely with the company to analyse data and carry out the audit. As a result, the business was able to evaluate its carbon footprint and identify ways to reduce energy usage and CO₂ output. Measures introduced include behavioural and process changes, such as installing new energy efficient LED lighting, replacing insulation and introducing energy management systems and processes.

Experts work collaboratively with businesses

Electropak director Bill Lambert commented: “The expertise of the MaCaW team helped us to identify practices that we may not otherwise have found out about. Setting the carbon footprint baseline, as well as evidence that we have implemented strategies to reduce our energy use, will help us in future tendering processes.

“The team at MaCaW worked with us in a way that kept us completely informed at all times, but didn’t intrude unduly into our operational activity. We are delighted with the outcome, which has created significant commercial and social responsibility benefits.” Mark Nelson, business engagement officer at MaCaW, said: “We do the leg work, rather than the business, and then provide the findings in a clear, non-jargon format.

We then help and support the business – and, in this case, their consultant Andrew Warner – to understand and implement the findings and recommendations. “Andrew introduced the company to the project and has been involved throughout. We work closely with consultants such as Andrew and would welcome working with any others who wish to refer their clients to the project for support.”

MaCaW is a University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) project, an industry and academic collaboration funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and supported by Boost; Lancashire’s business growth hub.