Expanding Belfast company is ‘shining light’ on energy-efficiency front

AJ Hurst, a Belfast-based electrical distribution business, is on the expansion trail following the success of a green initiative that is helping customers power ahead on the energy-efficiency front.

The family-owned company, which specialises in the total solutions provision of electrical equipment, has moved into new premises at Unit 10, Graham Industrial Estate, Dargan Crescent in Belfast. The move, which represents a significant investment is designed to assist the company in driving further growth throughout the UK.

“While the industry is still going through a very challenging period due to the economic downturn we felt it was important to prepare ourselves for the post-recession period and the anticipated uplift in demand. As a progressive company looking for further growth in the marketplace the move will allow us to substantially increase our stockholding. This will enable us to enhance our already fast response times and will, we believe, result in more customers,” explained Managing Director, Lisa Goldsbrough.

“In recent months our business has been boosted by the number of innovative energy efficient lighting schemes we have carried out for clients. We have been able to help these companies make substantial annual savings by implementing smarter solutions which have the added benefit of contributing to carbon emissions reduction.

“Whilst energy management and cost savings are key factors for the implementation of these schemes more and more businesses are aspiring to have improved green credentials. By putting systems in place that help companies to consume less energy we are also helping them to considerably reduce their carbon footprint.”

The savings can run into thousands of pounds and in some cases can result in reducing energy bills by more than 50%.

Companies benefitting from AJ Hurst’s expertise range from Corus Steel and Portadown-based Irwin’s Bakery to the Potter Group, professional logistics service providers in England, and Scottish-based GE Caledonian, which specialises in the repair and refurbishment of aero engines and related components.

AJ Hurst is planning to help more companies throw new light on their energy consumption in the year ahead and has set ambitious targets for external sales.

Tying in with the move the company has just been appointed a distributor for Lightstep Technologies Ltd, a Belfast-based company which specialises in intelligent evacuation technology.

Lightstep produce innovative products based around an LED light based system which is designed to help people escape from life threatening situations. The company has a core range of products that will light up corridors, exit routes and doorways in the event of an emergency.

“The Lightstep evacuation technology represents a world first and we are delighted to add these intelligent systems to our comprehensive product portfolio,” said Lisa.

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