Lucy Zodion Powers Up With Sowerby Bridge Expansion
Lucy Zodion, a UK-based powerhouse in street lighting control and smart city technology, is making headlines with its bold expansion plans.
To meet the swelling demand in the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and distribution pillar markets, the company is investing £2.2 million into its Sowerby Bridge facility in West Yorkshire. This strategic move showcases Lucy Zodion’s commitment to supporting rapid market growth, with industry experts projecting a 30% annual rise in demand for EV and smart city solutions over the coming years.
The expansion, spanning a substantial 1,000m², will introduce advanced technology and infrastructure aimed at increasing efficiency and output while also boosting sustainability. With Lucy Zodion’s reputation for cutting-edge street lighting solutions and scalable smart city infrastructure, this development is poised to mark a new era for the company and the local community alike.
Meeting Market Demand Head-On
In response to surging interest in EV infrastructure and distribution pillar solutions, Lucy Zodion’s investment is a timely reinforcement of its production capacity. The new facility will house 30 assembly bays, a state-of-the-art assembly prep area, a final testing zone, and a powerful 16-tonne gantry crane to support assembly and production. By leveraging this extensive setup, Lucy Zodion will be able to produce standardised product builds as well as bespoke units for low-voltage, high-powered EV solutions and streetlighting distribution.
John Fox, Managing Director of Lucy Zodion, commented: “The expansion of our Sowerby Bridge facility marks an exciting milestone for Lucy Zodion. This new development enhances our production capabilities and embodies our commitment to innovation and growth. By investing in cutting-edge technologies and expanding our talented team, we are well-positioned to meet the growing demands of the EV and streetlighting markets. The scale of this opportunity is immense, and I am confident that our skilled professionals will drive us toward achieving our business goals.”
The expansion not only bolsters Lucy Zodion’s production capacity but also strengthens the local economy. With the introduction of new jobs and apprenticeship programmes, the company is actively contributing to the economic vitality of West Yorkshire, a point of pride for the Lucy Zodion team.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Lucy Zodion’s expansion plans. The new build is designed with environmental impact in mind, with the installation of 108 solar PV array panels. This addition will enable the facility to generate 44,000 kWh annually, supplementing the existing solar panels and pushing the total energy output to 131,000 kWh. This capability will allow the factory to operate off-grid for much of the year, significantly reducing reliance on external power sources and aligning with Lucy Zodion’s sustainability goals.
Chris Dumon, Operations Director at Lucy Zodion, noted: “This expansion marks a pivotal moment for Lucy Zodion. The new facility’s advanced capabilities will enable us to meet the rising demand in the EV and streetlighting markets, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers. The sustainable design of the build underscores our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and supporting our sustainable development goals.”
These eco-friendly upgrades underscore Lucy Zodion’s broader commitment to supporting the green transition in cities around the world. With the expanded solar panel system in place, the company aims to reduce carbon emissions and further its role as a key player in sustainable infrastructure.
Progress and Timeline
The construction work at Sowerby Bridge is already well underway, with excavation and foundation preparation initiated under the guidance of Operations Director Chris Dumon. Completion of the facility is expected by December 2024, paving the way for Lucy Zodion to ramp up production as market demand continues to climb.
This expansion reflects the company’s proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of the smart city and EV sectors. By investing in the future now, Lucy Zodion is positioning itself to serve a market that increasingly demands efficient, innovative, and sustainable solutions.
Supporting Smart Cities
Beyond EV and streetlighting infrastructure, Lucy Zodion’s expertise extends to a comprehensive suite of smart city solutions. From electrical distribution pillars to smart cut-outs and isolators, the company’s technology is integral to powering urban infrastructure. Their Ki. range of scalable smart city hardware and software harnesses the power of the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing cities to optimise energy use and reduce emissions.
As part of the Lucy Group, Lucy Zodion collaborates with several sister companies, including Lucy Electric, Flashnet, Lawson Fuses, Lucy Properties, and Lucy Developments, collectively enhancing the company’s reach and capabilities. Through these partnerships, Lucy Zodion is able to provide robust, secure infrastructure that supports modern cities in achieving their carbon and energy reduction goals.
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
With over six decades of experience, Lucy Zodion is not new to navigating shifts in technology and infrastructure demands. Its commitment to innovation has established the company as a trusted leader in street lighting control and smart city solutions. Now, with the Sowerby Bridge expansion, Lucy Zodion is doubling down on its mission to deliver sustainable infrastructure that meets both current and future market needs.
This latest development marks a significant milestone in Lucy Zodion’s growth trajectory, one that not only strengthens the company’s industry standing but also bolsters local job creation and sustainability efforts. By balancing economic impact with environmental responsibility, Lucy Zodion continues to lead by example, setting a high standard for the industry at large.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Lucy Zodion’s expansion at Sowerby Bridge is more than just a physical extension—it’s a symbol of the company’s unwavering dedication to innovation, sustainability, and market leadership.
As the demand for smart city and EV infrastructure grows, Lucy Zodion is well-prepared to meet the challenge, providing cutting-edge solutions that support cities and communities in building a greener, smarter future.
