Furniture components manufacturer Hill’s Panel Products (HPP) has begun refurbishment work at its Oldham facility in an effort to become even greener and more efficient.

HPP is upgrading the biomass heating system, as part of a £1m investment, where the company will install two new efficient boilers and extractors to boost its renewable energy processes.

The installation is expected to be complete by autumn and will reduce HPP’s carbon footprint by collecting wood waste otherwise destined for landfill via an extraction system. It is then stored in huge silos to fuel boilers heating production warehouses, in addition to supplying heat for manufacturing.

The new systems are replacing existing boilers and extractors in the door production and panel production warehouses.

HPP is part of the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) programme, which was set up 10 years ago and rewards firms with financial support when they employ renewable energy technologies.

“The big difference between old and new is the new feature ceramic filters that extract exhaust gases before they leave the boiler. It means the emissions are much lower, which is better for the environment, while creating more heat output,” HPP said.

The firm has recently completed a refurbishment project at its Sheffield office following the 2019 floods.

The trade counter and fittings area on the ground floor, along with the main warehouse, were badly affected, being under several feet of water. After an extensive period of cleaning up and drying out the long process of renovating started.

“Drying out and clearing up took the longest, although as anyone will know, goods and services have been difficult to come by in the last 18 months, with Covid and Brexit adding to the delays,” HPP added.

“Bit by bit the Sheffield team have worked with various contractors and our own maintenance team to complete a full refurbishment, including the upstairs offices, canteen and meeting spaces.

“Our South Yorkshire hub is a vital extension to our Oldham HQ site. Not only does it allow us to directly serve a greater portion of trade customers towards the centre of the UK but it also extends our reach for carrier services to our customers in the south.”