RED Engineering has made a 'significant stride' in expanding its capabilities and bolstering environmental efficiency by constructing a new Technology Centre at its Hexham base.

This 750 sqm facility, built adjacent to its headquarters, boasts a 10-tonne lifting capacity overhead crane and specialist test rigs.

The £1.3 million investment is part of RED Engineering's commitment to delivering 'cutting-edge' solutions across diverse technologies.

In addition, a £136,504 grant from the North of Tyne Rural Business Growth Service assisted the facility's construction.

The new building, complying with the Park L building code, required a minimum 6kW solar power implementation to offset the electrical heating.

RED Engineering, under the leadership of managing director Joe Orrell, opted to exceed the regulatory requirements, roping in assistance from Business Energy Saving Team (BEST).

Mr Orrell said: "We were already making a significant investment in the new site but wanted to take the opportunity to go beyond.

"With the help of BEST, we were able to see a viable way forward with a grant towards the solar PV element of the project."

BEST, a support initiative for businesses in the North of Tyne and Gateshead, strengthened the investment by providing a £7,658 grant towards solar PV installation.

BEST is delivered by Newcastle City Council on behalf of the North of Tyne Combined Authority and Gateshead Councils, through UK Shared Prosperity Funding.

Commending the venture, Mayor Jamie Driscoll, said: “RED Engineering is a great example of the Green New Deal in action in the North East.

“My Combined Authority not only helped them build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hexham, but through our BEST programme we supported them to make sure the building was super sustainable.

"Our investments are boosting the North East economy and delivering good green jobs right across the region’’

RED Engineering had already conducted extensive research on solar requirements, with BEST further validating the investment.

Mr Orrell said: "BEST's support goes beyond just compliance; it aligns with our broader sustainability strategy.

"The grant allowed us to create our own sustainable energy source and significantly reduce our environmental impact."

Organisations looking for guidance on energy efficiency and grants can visit www.best-ne.co.uk.