Member Article

Clade factory expansion increases production capacity for green heat pumps

Leading industrial engineering firm, Clade, is preparing to unveil it’s newly expanded factory in Morley, Leeds, this week, which will increase production of natural refrigerant heat pumps, as well as bring new job opportunities to the local area.

With over 30 years of experience of working for blue chip customers, Clade has been leading the energy transformation in heating and cooling using cutting edge natural refrigerants. In order to further support the UK’s transition to a greener economy, the 29,000 sq foot factory will be dedicated to the production of Clade’s range of industry-leading domestic, commercial and industrial CO2 heat pumps.

Situated on the outskirts of Leeds, the new facility is due to open on 11 February. It will create 30 new jobs over the next 12 months, and over 300 jobs in the next four years, enabling Clade to increase heat pump production by 400%. Growing their in-house R&D, construction and UK manufacturing services will not only bring additional benefits to Clade’s entire supply chain, but also underpins the UK government’s plan to decarbonise heating in the UK by making low-carbon heating systems more affordable and accessible over the coming decade.

Clade’s ongoing commitment to having a positive environmental impact across its operations is reflected in the factory’s design. These include solar PV to help generate clean energy, the installation of electric vehicle charging points, LED lighting and waste reduction strategies. Alongside this, the company maintains its operation-wide policy for offsetting carbon generation through tree planting, with over 1000 trees planted, removing CO2 from the atmosphere and creating space for wildlife.

The factory has been totally self-funded by Clade as part of its investment and growth strategy, but it has received invaluable assistance from the Leeds Economic Development Programme in regards to recruitment and skills support and connections to local manufacturing support infrastructure.

Tim Rook, Chief Markets Officer at Clade, says: “We are delighted to be expanding our manufacturing operations in Leeds with this new facility dedicated to the production of natural refrigerant heat pumps. Alongside the benefits to UK manufacturing and infrastructure, we are looking forward to building on our green heating expertise, not only in developing a pool of new talent with the creation of 30o roles over the next four years, but also in growing the entire supply chain around our factory.

“Decarbonising heat is one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions in the race to Net Zero and natural refrigerant heat pumps are the future of green heating. This expansion puts us at the forefront of innovation, supporting the UKs ambition to become a global leader in green heating technologies.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by AmbitionPR .