Fabweld Steel Products' Strategic Environmental Investments Yield Strong Returns
Fabweld Steel Products, a market leader in the design and manufacture of steel access covers, has made significant strides in its quest for sustainability and growth. The company, based in Telford, UK, has recently reaped the benefits of two pivotal investments made in 2024: the installation of a nitrogen generator on-site and the upgrade of its laser cutting equipment. These changes are not only enhancing the company's production capabilities but are also helping FSP achieve its ambitious environmental and financial goals.
Investing in Sustainability: On-Site Nitrogen Generation
A major hurdle for Fabweld Steel Products had been the logistics involved in sourcing nitrogen, a key component for its laser-powered steel cutting process. Previously, the company relied on deliveries from Oxford, requiring around 40 lorry journeys each year. This process was not only costly but also contributed to the company’s carbon footprint.
To address this issue, FSP invested in a machine that generates nitrogen on-site, powered by the company’s own solar photovoltaic (PV) system. According to Managing Director Wayne Carter, this move has proven to be a significant win for the company. "Generating our own nitrogen, using electricity generated by our onsite solar PV system, has been a win-win – fewer lorry journeys and a big reduction in our electricity bills," Carter said. These changes support FSP's journey toward Net Zero, reducing transportation emissions and improving energy efficiency.
Upgraded Laser Technology Boosts Production
In addition to improving nitrogen generation, FSP also upgraded its laser cutting systems in October 2024, replacing its old equipment with a 15kW Accurl Fibre Laser. This new machine has significantly increased the company’s production capacity and capability, which is expected to boost sales by 75% within the next five years. The efficiency gains from the new laser technology will help FSP meet rising customer demands while maintaining a focus on sustainability.
These technological upgrades demonstrate FSP’s commitment to growth and innovation. As Carter pointed out, the changes are more than just environmentally beneficial—they are vital to increasing the company's competitiveness in the market. "We won’t be stopping there though, and any opportunity we identify to improve our environmental credentials while also boosting production and sales will be investigated," he noted.
Net Zero Roadmap and Long-Term Goals
FSP has also developed a comprehensive Net Zero roadmap that addresses several areas of its operations. This includes strategies to reduce energy consumption, further integrate renewable energy, and decrease emissions. Additionally, the company is looking into improving waste management and increasing employee engagement with sustainability initiatives.
As the business continues to expand, FSP is also focused on its workforce, emphasizing the importance of skills development. "A significant number of our employees – including me – started their careers as apprentices, and we will continue to use apprenticeship schemes to make sure we nurture the local talent we will need in the future," said Carter. This focus on workforce development is integral to FSP's future plans as the company scales its operations.
The Bigger Picture: Encouraging Broader Change
While FSP is making tangible progress in its environmental initiatives, Carter recognizes that these efforts, though impactful, represent just a small part of the wider challenge. He pointed out the importance of the UK adopting more forward-thinking policies and technologies already in use in countries like China and those in Europe. Carter highlighted the devastating effects of climate change, stressing the need for businesses to act now in order to create meaningful change.
"The improvements we at FSP have made might seem small when you look at the bigger picture, but they are achievable and have made a tangible difference to our costs and potential for growth, as well as our carbon footprint. If all businesses made just a few small changes, the overall impact would be huge," Carter explained.
