When you’re a fourth-generation family business, you know a thing or two about sustainability. The team at Maclean’s Highland Bakery is a great example of a business that continues to grow while also being a positive force for the community and local environment.
Maclean’s is an award-winning bakery that’s been operating from Forres since 1978. Today it’s a major employer in the area with 110 staff.
The modern bakery produces a range of products that can be found on the shelves of major UK retailers and in several international export markets. Locally, the business also sells fresh daily produce directly through its own, growing chain of retail outlets.
In recent years the business has invested in several energy-saving projects. They recently took another step forward with the introduction of voltage optimisation equipment.
Lewis Maclean, managing director explained:
“We have implemented a five-year plan to reduce our carbon footprint to zero by the year 2030. One of the first jobs we undertook was to upgrade lighting throughout the business to modern, low energy LEDs. We have also installed solar panels at the main bakery. These two projects alone have cut our carbon emissions by around 19,500 tonnes, reduced our energy bills, created a sense of pride in the business and motivated us to do even more.
“With Business Energy Scotland’s continued support, the next step on the company’s journey involved the introduction of voltage optimisation equipment.”
Voltage optimisation is a technology that can be beneficial for many of the businesses in Scotland that get their electricity through the UK’s National Grid. It regulates the flow of electricity to reduce energy use and can also increase equipment lifespans.
For Maclean’s, voltage optimisation is now being used to improve the energy efficiency of the site’s various motors, pumps and refrigerated storage units. It is estimated that an energy saving of 5% is being made as a result. That equates to annual savings of around £3,368 and 3.8 tonnes of carbon.
The Scottish Government’s SME Loan Scheme supported the installation of the voltage optimisation equipment with an interest free loan and cashback grant. This financial support means the investment in the new equipment will pay back in as little as just over one year.
“With the help of the experts at Business Energy Scotland and the financial support of the SME Loan Scheme we have been able to quickly fast forward our plans and complete projects with more confidence.
“As a grandfather I believe passionately about doing the right thing for our World and so we are now turning our attention to other business improvements, including a wind turbine and the adoption of electric vehicles.”
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 consultants are here to help. Get in touch today.