Sevcon manufactures motor controllers and system components for battery powered vehicles - from golf carts through forklift trucks to enormous 40-ton machines.

The organization has operations around the world, with the company's headquarters in Gateshead.

As Sevcon's operations grew it became necessary to amalgamate a central courtyard area into its office facility. While this gave the extra space needed to accommodate the staff, it resulted in a 32m long room with windows at one end only. This meant that lights were kept on during the daytime and made for an environmentally unfriendly and expensive-to-run working environment.

Low energy lighting was initially assessed as a solution. However, it soon became apparent that this would not significantly reduce energy usage or improve the office environment.

Sevcon then considered the concept of tubular daylight systems and, having reviewed the performance and quality of other systems, chose to install fourteen Solatube Daylight Systems.

The result was perfect for all concerned - reduced energy costs and a brighter more pleasant environment in which to work.

"I looked at other tubular skylights and while prices are similar, performance certainly isn't. The way Solatubes transfer light from roof to room is so much more effective than other products."

Carl Scarth, Industrial Engineering Maintenance

Solatube Products used: Solatube 21-C with patented round-to-square transition box to fit existing 600 x 600mm ceiling grid, and prismatic diffuser.

Words and images reproduced with kind permission of Sevcon Limited