Signify, the world leader in lighting, has been appointed by NSG Group to install a suite of cutting-edge smart lighting technology at several sites in the United Kingdom. These include The European Technical Centre in Lathom and the Automotive Facility in Redditch, as well as various other manufacturing sites across the UK. The lighting upgrade comes as part of the NSG Group’s aim to be the global leader in innovative high-performance glass and glazing solutions, which contribute to better energy savings, increase infrastructure for operations, and more closely align with regulations and requirements.

For the Lathom and Redditch sites, NSG Group has signed Light as a Service (LaaS) agreements with Signify that will include the full turnkey installation and execution services with no up-front CAPEX or cost, providing immediate savings, positive cash flow from year one and the reassurance of continuous maintenance and guaranteed high-performance through the duration of the ten year contract.

Installing LED lighting in the facilities dramatically cuts energy consumption by almost 80%, when compared to the traditional technologies that were previously used. This is expected to save the sites over 170 tons of CO₂ each year. As well as these significant energy savings, the new wireless LED luminaires also provide a number of smart factory benefits, including data-driven insights about the site which help in making decisions about its operations.

Connected lighting control system for flexibility and intelligent operation

As part of the redesign, the Interact system, which includes multisite management capability, provides centralised lighting control for all the sites with agreed scenes and schedules to ensure a consistent look and feel and provide increased visibility, flexibility and control of the lights.

NSG Group will also be able to analyse all data collected through the wireless sensors and utilise this to improve working environments, whether in the warehouse or office. The cloud-based platform collects data from all light points via a connected lighting infrastructure and is displayed on a centralised dashboard. This enables better comparison, monitoring and management of lighting across multiple locations for improved efficiency and lower energy usage.

Towards a circular economy

With sustainability at the top of the NSG Group agenda, both Lathom and Redditch sites use Signify’s innovative 3D printed downlights across the estate. These custom luminaires are fully recyclable, reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy. Production requires far less energy and materials, resulting in a 70% lower carbon footprint when compared to traditional aluminum die-casting production methods.

High speed connectivity through light

Both Lathom and Redditch sites feature Signify’s fast, secure Trulifi connectivity in the board rooms and selected meeting and conference rooms. Trulifi uses light waves to enable highly reliable, secure two-way wireless communication at speeds far above most conventional workplace wireless technologies.

Lighting plays an important role in human wellbeing, so the implementation of this project demonstrates NSG Group’s desire to invest just as much in its people as in their sustainability goals. The new LED lighting will improve lux levels, reduce glare, ease employee eye strain and fatigue, and offer flicker-free illumination throughout The European Technical Centre’s office spaces.

John Wilgar, Head of Procurement at NSG Group, said: “Saving energy and minimising waste (or ‘muda’ in Japanese) are two of the ways we manage our environmental footprint to help preserve our planet for future generations. The impressive energy savings brought by Signify’s Interact Industry system and the new LED luminaires, as well as Signify’s 3D printed circular lighting products, help us achieve this. Additionally, the IoT connectivity driven by the lights goes beyond just illumination and offers insights to enable us to become a smart factory in the truest sense as we look to improve operational efficiency across our sites. This resonates with our vision of ‘Changing our Surroundings, Improving our World’.”

Marcel Devereaux, Category Manager Energy Projects at NSG Group, said: ‘’Our site is designed to set a new standard for warehouse lighting in the glass industry. With Interact Industry we received a connected lighting system that does more than just provide light. It also gives us data about our site and allows us to make smarter decisions about our operations.’’

James Bennett, Commercial Director of Systems and Services at Signify UK & Ireland, said: “NSG Group has a long history of excellence as a trusted leader in glass. Following a successful launch of Signify’s Interact Industry platform at the Gelsenkirchen smart warehouse, I am excited to see the benefits of connected lighting extended to their two UK sites, with more across the globe to follow in the months ahead. With the energy savings and the data driven insights, I am sure NSG Group will not just become a more sustainable organization but also lead the manufacturing industry by example.’’

NSG Group is one of the world’s leading glass and glazing solutions suppliers for the automotive and architectural industries. These recent UK lighting installations are an extension of a global partnership with Signify that also includes NSG Group’s smart warehouse in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, which was the first installation of Signify’s Interact Industry connected lighting solution.