Restore Technology are the leading operator in asset management and recycling of IT systems and products. Their client base includes a vast array of multinational commercial clients, through to the general public. Their facility in Runcorn takes in many of the varied IT products that have completed their first life use and safely and securely resets the devices, so that they can be resold for a second lease of life, or where appropriate, securely destroyed in line with Government regulations. As they deal with so many different types of technology, with unique labelling and specifications, it is critical for their team to be able to analyse the products in great detail, both from the external housing, as well as the internal workings and software. Novah were asked by our partner, PDR, to assist in upgrading Restore’s existing legacy lighting to the very latest and most efficient LED, in order to improve the light levels and quality.
Lighting objectives
Restore had a few objectives surrounding the need for the upgrade, including the improvement of lighting levels whilst reducing energy running costs and enhancing the efficiency of the site, in addition to future proofing the facility with flexible and controllable lighting.
How did Novah approach this project?
Novah’s partner PDR set up a site visit to enable both parties to design the most appropriate solution and cost in the project value for both hardware, installation and removal of existing luminairies. From this, Novah created lighting designs to demonstrate the affect their proposal would have on the working environment and some trial installations were set up in order to prove the concept and demonstrate the products quality and performance. Once the senior management at Restore were able to see the installed products and how the wider design would perform, they were able to make a quick decision on moving forward with the full upgrade, especially as the return on investment was so short at 18 months including for the entire project.
Challenges
As the site is incredibly busy, the client could not afford for any down time on the production side of their business, and so it was critical to them that the works could be carried out with minimum disruption to the working practices, in as short a time frame as possible. This was made possible by the close working relationship between PDR and Novah, to ensure that a clear product schedule was implemented and followed throughout the project.
Novah solutions
Novah used a combination of our latest A energy rated Sirius with quick connect microwave sensors to reduce on time for the fittings to a minimum in areas of lower use, combined with our Atlas low bay for the racking aisles, as the client liked the combination of even lighting along the height of the racks along with high light levels on the ground for the required safety levels. The mezzanine area used Novah’s brand new Solray Select CCT, which allowed the client to choose both the power output to minimise consumption without compromising light level, combined with their preferred colour temperature. As the Solray is energy rated B this was the perfect choice to help Restore achieve the low energy consumption targets they have set.
Outcomes
Since the lighting upgrade was carried out, as well as a far lower energy consumption across all the lighting on the site, due to the improved lighting levels the site has seen an instant uplift in productivity, as a direct result of the teams being able to read equipment product labels more clearly and quickly, and allowing them to process equipment more quickly by a measurable quantity.
Customer feedback
‘We are delighted with the new LED lighting that has been installed by our supplier PDR throughout our production and warehousing. We selected Novah as our lighting supplier, as recommended by PDR, and the results are fantastic, both in terms of the product, install and impact it has had on our facility and business. Our productivity has increased by 4% since the installation, and there is a noticeable lift in morale as it’s a genuinely lighter and brighter place to be- something you can’t always measure . Whilst the energy consumption has dropped, the light output in several areas has tripled – many of the products we process use incredibly small information labelling, and in many cases, the same colour text as the casing colour, making it difficult to read the serial numbers and product codes, however the new lighting has dramatically improved the contrast, making it far easier for our team members to read the labelling – this is one way in which productivity has increased. The speed in which the project was completed, from an initial chat about what can we do, through the design project to installation was a matter of a few weeks and the attention to detail from both Novah and PDR has been phenomenal. I cannot recommend highly enough both Novah’s service, including design and site surveys, along with their product and thank PDR for their guidance and professional work throughout the project.’ Chris Hanson-Jones, Site Manager - Runcorn
