Sony UK site wins deal to build low carbon street lights

Sony's manufacturing site in Pencoed – which makes high-tech camera systems – was chosen by LRL to make systems for its push into the UK and European markets. LRL's low carbon lighting uses high performance LEDs (light emitting diodes), is free of lead and mercury, can be retrofitted and offers energy savings of 50-80% over conventional road lighting. The company is now targeting the UK and Europe, which it sees as a huge potential market – the UK has six million street and road lighting units, 130,000 of which are on the highways and the highest energy users. Sony's Pencoed site has been working with LRL teams from Canada to set up a manufacturing line and has received a first order for 2,000 fittings with production starting early October. The order is for Salford Council, with the prospect of an additional 26,000 units to follow. Up to 10 jobs will be created at Pencoed, with more to come if the new lighting technology is adopted by other councils in the UK. Steve Dalton (pictured), managing director of Sony UK Technology Centre, said the deal was a "significant win" and was delighted Pencoed had been selected as LRL's manufacturing partner. "We are always keen to expand our capability and third party manufacturing offers a great opportunity to diversify into new markets and new technology. We are delighted to be working with LRL, which has a great product and great potential. "As they make inroads into the UK market it presents new job creating opportunities and also supports our work in the low carbon and renewable energy sectors." LRL director of business development, Huw Convery said the Canadian business had looked at a number of potential manufacturing partners within the UK, but selected Sony for its expertise and reputation for quality. "It is a world renowned brand and a centre of excellence that surpassed every other manufacturer in terms of quality, which is an area that we will not compromise on. Its location on the M4 corridor is perfect, complemented by a fantastic distribution network for the UK and Europe." He added there was significant interest in their lighting systems from local authorities around the UK and a number of contracts in the pipeline.