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The Business Magazine July 2024
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Draper Tools taps Southampton’s Absolar for major solar installation

The Business Magazine article image for: Draper Tools taps Southampton’s Absolar for major solar installation
From left - Phil Wu of Absolar, Caroline Nokes MP and Matt Sheen of Draper Tools
5 February 2025
From left - Phil Wu of Absolar, Caroline Nokes MP and Matt Sheen of Draper Tools

Draper Tools, ranked 78th on The Business Magazine’s Solent 250 ranking, has unveiled a major solar installation at its North Baddesley warehouse near Southampton.

Caroline Nokes MP officially unveiled the site’s new live energy monitor last Friday 31 January, showing how the 900-plus roof-mounted panels are already generating 73 per cent of the facility’s power needs.

They’ve also prevented over 40 tonnes of carbon emissions to date.

Matt Sheen, CEO of Draper Tools, said: “This has been a significant investment for us as a business, but one that we hope represents our commitment to the future and to sustainable business practices.

“We might be over 100 years old, but we’re not standing still.

“We’re always looking to the future, adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of our customers.”

The project was undertaken by Southampton’s own Absolar, who designed and delivered from start to finish – placing 904 solar panels around the more than 700 skylights on the site’s roof.

With one of the largest roofs in the Test Valley, the system uses 12.5km of cables to get power into the building, and the installers clocked over four million steps throughout the installation.

Dr Phil Wu of Absolar added: “Draper Tools’ ambitious solar project is a perfect example of how businesses can lead the way in sustainability.

“By embracing solar power alongside their other sustainable commitments, they’re reducing carbon emissions, securing long-term energy savings, and setting a benchmark for other companies in the region.

“We’re proud to have partnered with Draper Tools to design, deliver and manage this high-impact installation, demonstrating the added value of AI-powered technology in helping energy users benefit from sustainable energy systems.”

Draper Tools recently moved all of its warehousing operations to the North Baddesley facility, allowing for the opening of a new self-storage business at the old warehouse in Chandler’s Ford.

The company employs more than 200 people across both sites.


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Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL.

Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.

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