James and Williams Limited

Investment and innovation from BEEP benefits traditional Herefordshire based business, James and Williams Limited

The Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP) has helped many businesses to become more energy efficient and ultimately save money on their energy bills. One business supported recently by the programme to improve energy efficiency was James and Williams Limited, a manufacturer of high-quality coffin handles and other coffin accessories.

The Challenge

Founded in 1968, James and Williams are a family owned business based in Kingstone near Herefordshire. They began by plating trophies and coffin fittings for other companies, but have operated as an independent specialist manufacturer of coffin furniture since the 1970’s. The company’s on-site moulding shop had operated with the same traditional machinery for almost 40 years, using fifteen ageing injection moulding units for which replacement parts and servicing had become increasingly difficult to manage. This old-fashioned machinery began to affect efficiency and production time, taking more than an hour to heat up each morning, and contributed to rising energy costs for the business.

The Solution

James and Williams successfully applied for a £20,000 grant through the Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP), with which they have installed an Arburg energy efficient injection moulding machine as part of work to replace their existing units.

This essential upgrade has already been a massive boost to the business, especially as their agreement covers all servicing, repair and maintenance cover for the new machinery for the first three years of use, improving business continuity and offering peace of mind.

The Results

The investment in the new machine and other upgrades has saved James and Williams an estimated £16,630 per year and reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 55.6 tonnes. The energy efficient cooling plant, a key feature of their new machinery, is also helping the business to recycle water.

Results for the business have been fantastic too. Not only have energy costs dropped, but the new equipment has helped to improve operations, increase day-to-day productivity and grow the company’s profit margin.

The new Arburg unit also takes up far less floorspace and is much quieter than the previous machinery used, so staff can enjoy a quieter and more spacious working environment.

About BEEP

The Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP) is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is a partnership between Worcestershire Councils, Herefordshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Council, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

To find out more about the Business Energy Efficiency Programme or to see if your business is eligible for a free energy efficiency assessment, please contact us on 01905 677888 or visit www.business-central.co.uk/beep/