For more than 30 years, Ailsa Machinery has supplied, serviced and refurbished forklift trucks from its headquarters in East Kilbride. As a family-owned business with circularity at its core, Ailsa has built a reputation for extending the life of industrial equipment through professional refurbishment and remanufacturing.
In recent years, the company has strengthened its commitment to sustainability through its AilsaX division, a leading provider of lithium-ion powered forklift solutions in Scotland. By helping businesses transition away from traditional internal combustion forklifts, AilsaX is supporting cleaner, more efficient material handling operations across Scotland.
As the business continued to champion low-carbon technologies for its customers, Managing Director Brendan Cairns wanted to ensure Ailsa’s own premises reflected the same commitment to sustainability. Looking to reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions and improve energy performance, he contacted Business Energy Scotland for free, impartial advice.
Following an initial consultation, a Business Energy Scotland advisor carried out an assessment of Ailsa’s workshop and office facilities. The review identified several practical opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce reliance on grid electricity.
“As a business leading the transition to zero-emission forklift technology, it was important that our own operations reflected the same commitment to sustainability. Business Energy Scotland helped us identify the right opportunities, giving us the confidence and support to invest in solar PV, battery storage and other energy efficiency measures.”
Recommendations included installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system with battery storage, upgrading older office windows to modern double glazing and improving insulation within the building. Together, these measures would reduce energy demand, improve building efficiency and enable the business to generate and store its own renewable electricity on site.
Acting on the recommendations, Ailsa Machinery invested in a significant solar PV installation supported by battery energy storage technology. The system allows the company to maximise the use of clean electricity generated on-site, reducing both energy costs and exposure to fluctuating energy prices. Alongside the renewable energy investment, the company also upgraded insulation and glazing to further improve the building’s overall efficiency.
The project demonstrates how practical energy-saving measures, combined with renewable generation and storage, can deliver substantial benefits for growing businesses. As a company already helping customers transition to electric-powered equipment, Ailsa has reinforced its own environmental credentials by adopting the technologies it actively promotes.
The combined improvements are estimated to save approximately £7,915 per year, reduce annual energy consumption by more than 24,000 kWh, and cut carbon emissions by around 5.7 tonnes of CO₂ annually. The integration of solar PV, battery storage, improved insulation and double glazing has created a more energy-efficient operation while supporting the company’s long-term sustainability goals.
Brendan Cairns, Managing Director, Ailsa Machinery, said:
“As a business leading the transition to zero-emission forklift technology, it was important that our own operations reflected the same commitment to sustainability. Business Energy Scotland helped us identify the right opportunities, giving us the confidence and support to invest in solar PV, battery storage and other energy efficiency measures.
“The support from Business Energy Scotland has been invaluable, we’re generating more of our own energy, reducing costs and cutting emissions, while creating a real-world showcase of what’s possible when businesses embrace low-carbon technologies.”
Help for your business
Business Energy Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government to provide free, impartial support and access to funding to help small and medium-sized enterprises save energy, carbon and money
Whether you are just starting out on your energy-saving journey and need some pointers or are looking for expertise and funding to support your current plans, our team of experienced business advisors and energy-saving specialists are here to help. Get in touch today.
Get the case study sent straight to your inbox
If you liked this case study, make sure you sign up to our regular ezine, The Bottom Line. It’s an easy way to keep up to date with all the latest updates including grants and funding, free training, case studies, the latest blogs and other useful resources that can help your organisation improve its environmental performance, save resources and save money.