Our in-house teams have recently completed a commercial solar PV installation for a luxury furniture manufacturers’ facility in Cramlington.
George Smith, the most experienced makers of exceptional upholstered furniture for prestigious projects throughout the world, is now reaping the benefits of solar energy, following the successful installation of a 176.4 kWp solar PV system.
The project adds to a suite of sustainability measures already in place at George Smith’s factory, including LED lighting upgrades, investment in energy-efficient machinery, and improved recycling systems.
Our in-house teams designed and installed a 392 solar panel SolarEdge Technologies solar PV system at George Smith’s Cramlington manufacturing site. It has been generating for almost a month and the team at George Smith have reported that it’s already driving down energy bills and significantly reducing the company’s carbon footprint.
The rooftop solar PV system is estimated to produce 167,355 kWh of energy per year and cutting CO₂e emissions by more than 37 tonnes annually.
This project supports George Smith’s long-term sustainability strategy, aligning with their commitment to responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and more energy-efficient operations. Known globally for its handcrafted upholstered furniture, the company is combining traditional British craftsmanship with cutting-edge renewable technology, showing how heritage and innovation can go hand-in-hand.
We ensured the commercial solar installation was carried out with minimal disruption to George Smith’s operations. Safety and efficiency were prioritised throughout the process ensuring full compliance with CDM requirements. To keep everyone safe on site, scaffolding was put in place along with a Haki staircase for roof access, using a 17m telehandler to lift equipment to the roof.
Additionally, as a part of the scope of work, we managed and coordinated the installation of permanent roof access and fall restraint systems to make future maintenance safer and more cost-effective.
The solar system meets all RC62 fire safety recommendations and includes a firefighter gateway, system isolation switch.
Stephen Armstrong, Head of Commercial at AR Power, commented:
“It’s fantastic to see the system up and running, already delivering energy savings for George Smith. From the outset, their team was engaged, clear in their objectives, and a pleasure to work with. Our project manager worked closely with them throughout to ensure expectations were met at every stage – and we’re proud to have completed the installation on time, with no disruption to their day-to-day operations.”
Following the completion of the project, we carried out a Q&A with George Smith’s UK Managing Director, Jim Athey. Here is what we discussed:
What were your motives for installing solar?
Sustainability is a core value at George Smith, and we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. We focus on four key routes to minimising our impact:
• Longevity of product – we build furniture that’s designed to last for decades, even centuries, reducing waste and encouraging thoughtful ownership.
• Sustainable materials – we prioritise natural, responsibly sourced materials such as FSC-certified timber and traditional fillings like horsehair and wool.
• Minimising impact during production – we actively reduce waste and recycle materials wherever possible, including horsehair, foam, timber, card, and plastics. We also work hard to reduce our use of electricity and gas.
• Local manufacturing – by handcrafting all our furniture in the UK, we keep our supply chain tight, reduce transport-related emissions, and maintain full control over environmental standards.
Installing solar power was a natural next step. It reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, lowers our energy costs, and fits perfectly within our wider sustainability strategy.
What was the internal process you went through at George Smith?
Yes, we’ve looked at solar several times over the years, but we never felt fully comfortable – either with the technology, the timing, or finding a partner we could trust. This time, with rising energy costs and growing confidence in the maturity of the technology, it felt right to take a closer look. I’m not someone who rushes into decisions. We carried out a careful review and invited several suppliers to quote. We narrowed the field to two businesses, both based in the North East, and weighed up the pros and cons of each before making our final decision.
Why did you choose AR Power?
AR Power weren’t the lowest cost option, but I felt they offered the best overall value. Much like George Smith, they are a one-stop shop, delivering all services in-house — from design and project management to installation and aftercare. This gave me the confidence that such a significant investment would be handled professionally and that we’d end up with the best possible result.
Also, like George Smith, they have a strong track record of delivering large, complex projects to the highest standards. That reputation, combined with their upfront and proactive approach to health and safety, particularly important for any roof work, helped build trust and made them the clear choice.
How did you find the process with AR Power?
I guess the biggest compliment I can pay here is they did exactly what they said they would do. Delivering on time, with minimal issues and I felt confident that safety was managed impeccably throughout. It sounds small fry – but things like the neatness of the cable runs were important – they took great care at every step.
Would you recommend AR Power?
Without hesitation, yes.
Is there anything else about the project you would like to mention?
So far, the system is exceeding expectations – though the glorious sunshine we’ve been enjoying lately may be helping with that! It’s already making a noticeable difference to our energy costs, and it’s satisfying to know we’re generating clean power on-site.
My advice to anyone considering solar would be – take your time choosing the right partner. This is a long-term investment, so trust and professionalism are critical. Look for a company that handles everything in-house, has a strong reputation, and takes safety and aftercare seriously. We found that with AR Power, and it’s made all the difference.
If you would like to find out how much you could save on your energy bills and your carbon output, please get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to discuss how solar can help.
