Cornish Premier Pasties’ £135k solar power investment

The investment includes 320 solar panels as part of a 131.2kw system that will save more than 50 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Mark Norton, managing director of Cornish Premier Pasties said the installation of Premier’s own green energy sources on the roof of the factory was one initiative that they’re undertaking to reduce our carbon footprint, in line with the business’ strategic plan.

Solar powered factory

“The system will provide at least 20% of the factory’s energy over the year, however on a sunny day last month, the solar panels were producing 98% of our power,”​ said Norton.

“Thanks to our solar panels, we can continue to commit to providing quality products to our customers, at the very best price, despite the crippling rise of energy costs.​

Cornish Premier Pasties’ solar power investment was supported by Truro-based asset finance provider Ignition, with the installation handled by solar panel and clean energy firm Solarsense.

Ignition business development manager and solar specialist Eleanor Smith added: "I’ve known Mark professionally for more than a decade and have witnessed the exceptional growth and success of his two businesses. ​

Becoming more environmentally sustainable’

“It has been great to work with him on this project, which is set to deliver considerable cost savings in the long-term, whilst helping to meet Cornish Premier Pasties’ aspirations to become more environmentally sustainable”​

Cornish Premier Pasties was acquired by Mark Norton in 2020 and combined with its sister business, Prima Bakeries, the group is the fourth largest manufacturer of Cornish Pasties in the world.

The company employs more than 60 people, and has doubled sales in the last two years thanks to signing new contracts with customers across the UK.

Meanwhile, Welsh cheese maker Mona Dairy has unveiled the ‘UK’s first’ battery electric vehicle (BEV) tractor and trailer for milk haulage​​ ahead of its multi-million-pound factory expansion.