Roofclad Systems completes £1m-plus roof and solar upgrade at Burntwood factory

Roofclad Systems has completed a roofing and solar energy project worth more than £1 million at Unitech Group’s production facility in Burntwood.

The eight-month programme replaced the ageing roof of the 90,000 sq ft site.

The work removed 5,555 sq m of asbestos cement sheeting and installed 592 solar panels.

The solar panels are expected to generate around 241,000 kWh of renewable electricity a year, supporting Unitech’s long-term energy strategy. Based on Unitech’s own financial assessment, the installation has a projected payback period of around three years.

The original roof dated from the 1980s and had reached the end of its working life, with leaks and limited insulation.

Lichfield-headquartered Roofclad replaced it with insulated Tata Steel Trisomet composite panels, which are backed by a 25-year guarantee.

The project also included refurbished gutters, bespoke weatherproofing and new triple-skin rooflights to bring natural daylight into the facility.

Phased working and close coordination with Unitech’s operations team meant the refurbishment went ahead with minimal disruption to production.

Carrying out the roof replacement and the solar installation together also means Unitech avoids the future cost and disruption of removing and refitting panels when the old roof would have needed replacing.

Stuart Harrison, general manager at Unitech Group, said: “Roofclad Systems worked safely and coordinated effectively with our on-site operations. The team responded well to challenges, maintained good health and safety standards and delivered quality workmanship.

“The installation team were helpful and easy to work with, making it a positive experience overall.”