A new engineering facility in North Yorkshire will see 114 solar panels fitted.

The new facility, established by Econ Engineering, will create approximately 50 jobs and cost around £7m to construct.

Econ Engineering is a family-owned business; it has a workforce comprised of 250 employees and is responsible for over 85% of the UK’s winter road maintenance vehicles.

“As a responsible, family-owned business, we are mindful of the affect our business has on the environment,” said Jonathan Lupton, Operations Director of Econ Engineering.

“Ahead of construction starting at our new Sowerby facility, we looked carefully at the environmental considerations.

“We have installed 114 solar panels, which will help to heat and light the office block, and the site will be fully landscaped to blend in with the surrounding area.”

In order to reduce their carbon emissions and energy consumption, since 2015 Econ Engineering have put more than £4m towards increasing the sustainability of their operations.

Power reductions have lessened their carbon footprint by at least 1587 tonnes, with a further reduction of 274 tonnes with localised service centres.

“We are also examining alternative fuels to power our gritters, including Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO), electric and hydrogen,” added Mr Lupton.

Econ Engineering plans to implement more strategies to further reduce their carbon footprint.