The Reydon, Suffolk-based company first invested in solar panels for the south side of its roof in 2013.
With the recent completion of its factory extension to house its revamped short-run division, the firm took a fresh look at increasing its use of solar power.
“When looking at the options on this it became apparent that solar technology is now good enough to go on the north side of the roof – so although the existing south side of the roof was already covered, we have now covered the entire north side as well,” explained joint managing director Rob Cross.
The latest install, which also includes the south side of the factory extension area, involved a spend of around £500,000 taking the firm’s total investment to date in solar to some £800,000.
The factory now spans 9,600sqm.
“Although the returns are not as good as the south facing side the payback is still very good for us,” Cross explained.
“We are now generating 960,000 kWH which saves the business around £200,000 per year.”
Cross said that on summer days the solar installation generated enough energy to power the entire factory.
“It certainly helps with our financial performance but equally it’s excellent for our sustainable credentials and it’s a great thing to shout about to our customers and stakeholders,” he added.
“We often get comments on our solar array as people pull up to the factory and it is something we are very proud of.”
The Micropress team is also exploring other avenues for generating more renewable energy in the future.
Cross said the expanded short run division was “bedding in very nicely” and this area of the business was growing rapidly.
“Our new Horizon binding line is currently being installed and will be live in the next couple of weeks.”
The new CABS4000V computer-aided PUR binding line from Intelligent Finishing Systems is a £1m investment in itself, and forms part of the £3.5m spend that includes a raft of new equipment including a Canon VarioPrint iX3200 and what will be the UK’s first Tecnau BookReady.
Micropress offers a range of printing and fulfilment services including magazines, catalogues, leaflets and books as well as bespoke client integrations with its setup. It became a Carbon Balanced Printer last year via the World Land Trust.
The company employs more than 190 people and had sales of around £30m last year, with a target of 10% sales growth in 2024.
