AUTOMATIC doors specialist Record UK has completed a 288 kWp rooftop solar PV system at its headquarters and main production facility in Blantyre.
Delivered by Forster Group, the installation is tipped to generate 227,400 kWh of clean electricity annually, reducing 50,658 kg of CO2 emissions in year one alone.
As Record UK’s core manufacturing hub, the Blantyre facility plays a key role in producing the company’s automated door systems. Housing CNC machinery, fabrication, testing, and assembly, the site operates with naturally high electrical demand typical of industrial manufacturing. This made it the ideal location for a large solar deployment capable of offsetting around 52% of annual electricity consumption.
“This is our largest energy consuming site, which meant it offered the greatest operational and sustainability impact,” explained James Simpson, supply chain director at Record UK. “Solar is a long-term investment that strengthens our resilience, reduces our exposure to volatile energy markets, and supports our commitment to responsible, low carbon manufacturing.”
As part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, Record UK contributes to science based emissions reduction targets. Solar directly reduces Scope 2 emissions and supports the company’s sustainability focused product philosophy. The move is also designed to future-proof the firm against energy price volatility and reduce operational carbon footprint.
Record UK selected Forster Group following a competitive tender process.
“We’re proud to support Record UK on their journey toward a lower-carbon future,” said John Forster, founder and chair of Forster Group. “From the outset, they were clear they wanted a solution that would fundamentally transform the way they power their operations.
“By making use of the roof above their facility, they’ve converted existing space into a long-term source of clean, reliable energy.
“Projects like this demonstrate how Scotland’s manufacturers can take ownership of their energy future, reducing emissions, cutting costs and building resilience. The solar opportunity for the sector is clear with its low cost and rapid pay-back.”
Record UK noted that Forster Group’s responsiveness, transparency, and willingness to design a system tailored specifically to the Blantyre site made them the strongest technical fit.
Despite the site’s high levels of daily activity, the installation was said to have been delivered ‘safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption’. Close coordination allowed the factory to operate normally throughout, with no significant challenges encountered.
“The whole process was hassle-free and well managed, with clear communication at every stage,” added James Simpson. “While we’re still tracking long-term financial performance, the system has already delivered strong, reliable energy generation since going live. Integration with our wider facility infrastructure was seamless.”
The installation has already helped increase internal awareness of Record UK’s sustainability goals, with the presence of on site solar giving more visibility to the company’s environmental commitments. Externally, the project is expected to further enhance Record’s position with customers which are putting greater emphasis and scrutiny on suppliers’ carbon reduction credentials.
The success of the Blantyre project has opened the door to further initiatives across Record UK’s UK operations. Opportunities now under consideration include battery storage, expanded solar capacity, heat efficiency upgrades, and advanced energy monitoring.
James Simpson stated, “Over the next three to five years, Record UK anticipates sustainability becoming increasingly embedded across all business functions, from manufacturing and product design to supply chain strategy and facility investment.
“For us, our solar installation represents both a practical energy saving measure and a long term commitment to sustainable manufacturing.”
