J Marr stays cool with grant from the LEP
An international ice supplier and storage company has implemented green energy systems and in turn created new jobs.
A grant from the LEP has helped Wakefield based the J Marr Group, which includes an international ice supplier and temperature controlled storage & logistics business, to implement green energy systems within the business and in turn create new jobs.
The business has been awarded a £164,000 grant from the LEP which has aided in the purchase of a wind turbine which has reduced costs and consequently allowed for 38 new employees to meet increasing demand.
Going Green
The grant is part of a £368,000 investment made by J Marr which promotes savings in electricity through green energy. The nature of the business means that large amounts of electricity are used to keep the product frozen and J Marr is constantly striving to find ways to reduce this. The cold stores consume every bit of electricity the new wind turbine produces, cutting costs at its site in South Kirkby, which includes the largest ice factory in Europe.
The investment has also funded the purchase of LED lighting throughout all the cold stores at the site, reducing heat and electricity waste.
Cutting costs
Malcolm Dufton, a Director of J Marr, said that the cost reductions have helped increase the workforce and this has helped to increase the client base for the business and we can focus on product development to grow the business further.
Planning for a cooler future
Malcolm added: “Our ice products are seasonal and as a business we have to be flexible. The grant has allowed a vital investment to take place to reduce costs and increase output. There are future plans to further reduce the electricity the business uses, with the introduction of solar panels throughout the site and fast doors with air curtains installed in our cold stores. We are also looking to expand further with plans to increase our European exports.
Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the LEP, said: “J Marr is a well-established Wakefield company and a really innovative business. We are delighted to have been able to assist in creating a significant number of jobs in the region as well as supporting a company become more energy efficient in their day to day business.”
Businesses looking to grow in Leeds City Region can get support from the LEP to fulfil their growth ambitions. The LEP has funding available for businesses looking to grow and invest in new equipment and training staff. The LEP also has a team of experienced advisers available to offer advice on sourcing the right support for your business.