Thorn Lighting has just opened a brand new £32m factory and Academy of Light in Spennymoor, County Durham. This, says the company, marks the 'largest investment in the manufacture of lighting equipment in the UK for almost 70 years':
The new complex was officially opened by Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman, who said that the new plant was 'fantastic news', adding: "This kind of investment shows that, even in the current economic climate, progressive and innovative companies like Thorn still has real confidence in the future of the local economy.
"I am also particularly pleased that the new site will include the Academy of Light training facility, which will help to maintain skills."
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The opening ceremony was also attended by representatives from Sedgefield Borough Council, Durham County Council, and regional development agency One North East.
The 40,000m2 building also hosts a manufacturing facility for Zumtobel Group's Tridonic Atco luminaire components business. Overall the operation employs around 700 people. To maximise efficiency, flexibility and responsiveness, the modern production operation incorporates Thorn's Lean Six Sigma manufacturing methods, which have already led to dramatic savings. For instance, the distance travelled by materials has been cut by 42%. Working conditions are bright, cheery, spacious and 'green', with the production carbon footprint having been reduced by a quarter.
Academy of Light:
Fronting the building is a Thorn Academy of Light Competence Sharing Centre, designed to provide sales staff and customers from around Europe with application-specific training. Built at a cost of £1.3m, this structure extends over a floor space of 2,000m2 on two levels. Here up to 100 people can experience light at work, view exhibitions and attend workshops and CPD seminars.
The first training sessions feature 'Sustainability in Lighting', with half the fees raised being donated to the Lighting Education Trust. Established in 2006 the Academy has already benefited internal staff.
All sales employees have been trained in a new dynamic design concept called PEC (Performance, Efficiency and Comfort) that embraces all criteria for vision, health and sustainability. PEC is used for lighting products and lighting scheme design.
Thorn has also expanded and upgraded its laboratory, which is particularly well known for its ability to develop high performing energy saving products. It now features full automation of thermal test measurements, a fully anechoic EMC test chamber, expanded materials and life test facilities, and superb temperature control to all laboratory areas.
Expanded product portfolio:
Thorn will make maximum use of the new facility to enhance its portfolio of highly energy efficient lighting products. These comprise recessed, surface and suspended fluorescent fittings, including emergency lighting, as well as bulkheads and custom-built products.
New products, which outperform future energy use legislation, will be launched in all the strategically relevant applications areas - offices, schools, hospitals, supermarkets, factories and the public realm.