Forge Europa, the Ulverston based LED lighting manufacturer was delighted to welcome The Duke of York to officially open its new Lighting Solutions Centre on 30th May 2012, at a celebratory whole company event, attended by guests including Lord Lieutenant James Cropper, the Mayor of Ulverston and local school children from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Ulverston.
Forge Europa has reinforced its commitment to Cumbria and reputation for innovative and leading LED lighting technology with the opening of the state-of the art Lighting Solutions Centre. His Royal Highness not only unveiled a plaque officially opening the new R&D facilities, but took a great interest in Forge Europa’s business and made insightful observations that will undoubtedly help Forge Europa continue to develop.
The Duke of York champions business and industry in the UK, and has a keen interest in technology and business innovation. His Royal Highness works to support entrepreneurs and SMEs that are looking to grow their businesses in the UK or to reach international markets. Forge Europa holds the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for outstanding innovation. During the visit His Royal Highness was introduced to Forge Europa’s capabilities, exciting plans for growth, and innovative LED lighting solutions which will be designed and developed at the new million pound+ development, which has been built adjacent to Forge Europa’s main offices at the Old Railway, Ulverston.
Peter Barton, Managing Director of Forge Europa said, “We are delighted that, not only has The Duke of York taken the time to open our new facility, but he has also taken such a personal and well informed interest in the future of product innovation in the UK.”
“The construction of our new Lighting Solutions Centre will enable us to further our R&D work and continually improve product lighting design to reduce product energy consumption further as well as creating a number of high-tech local jobs in 2012. The LSC reinforces our commitment to Cumbria and shows that with the strong combination of tenacity, application and pragmatism the UK can still lead the world in terms of innovative design and manufacture. Everyone involved in the project can be extremely proud of this achievement.”
As part of the LSC development, Forge Europa was keen to source local suppliers and expertise, to support the local economy, and extended their invitation to meet The Duke of York to key local suppliers such as Neil Price Limited, who were responsible for the timely and high quality construction of the new building. Julie Barton, HR Director, said, “His Royal Highness opening our new Lighting Solutions Centre is a great honour as well as a celebration of the fantastic hard work and efforts of both our own team and that of Neil Price Ltd.”
Ian Dixon, Sales Manager added, “2012 is an important year for Forge Europa, with the launch of the Lighting Solutions Centre. The new facilities which are 100% LED illuminated will showcase our innovation and LED technology. The LSC will expand our research and development and testing capabilities, enabling us to continually push the boundaries of excellence in LED lighting, benefiting our customers and the industry and accelerating the adoption of environmentally friendly LED lighting.”
Additional quotes
“I am delighted that His Royal Highness was not only happy to open our new Lighting Solutions Centre but was also most keen to discuss our successes together with any challenges we face in business so that he can continue to champion effectively the interests of British business.” (Julie Barton)
Additional information
Forge Europa is proud to be at the heart of the solid state lighting revolution.
Since 1993, Forge Europa has been developing, designing and manufacturing energy saving LED lighting solutions and components with award winning innovation, rewarded by receiving the Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2009.
We are experts in our field and recognised globally for our customer focused, innovative and flexible approach to delivering standard and custom designed LED components and LED lighting solutions.
Forge Europa has enabled a vast array of companies in a huge variety of markets from 34 different countries to gain very significant commercial and environmental advantages by introducing reliable, high quality, energy saving LED assemblies into its products.
For more information
Please contact: Sarah Simpson, Product Marketing Co-ordinator
Forge Europa
Tel: (01229) 580 000
Email: sarah@forge-europa.co.uk
