A CHIRK-based acclaimed pet retailer has invested more than £250,000 in powering ahead with its net-zero vision, by working with local North Wales companies to support the economy.

PetPlace has installed up to 450 solar panels at its stores in Abergele and Llangefni, with more to follow at its store in Moreton Park, in Chirk.

Bosses Sion Pritchard and Paul Penketh enlisted Tremeirchion and St Asaph-based Hafod Renewable Energy to supply and fit the panels and worked closely with other local firms to support the North Wales economy and push ahead with its ‘green vision’ as a sustainable, responsible employer.

Sion said: "The investment in solar panels alone will result in a carbon saving of around 40 tons of C02 per year, so long-term we will see the benefits.

"Initially we have focused on Abergele and Llangefni, but we will look to roll out as we rebrand and refurbish our other stores."

They have also introduced electric charging point at all sites, so they can use electric rather than gas forklift vehicles, company cars and digital display screen, to help reduce printed material.

"All of our vehicles are now electric – including forklift trucks in the warehouses – and we are more sustainable than ever before, with more energy efficiency improvements to follow." he added.

The installation took a couple of weeks from start to finish and also included more than one kilometre of mounting rail and a battery system that will store energy to run their freezers overnight, producing more than 160,000kwh per year – enough to power 50 homes.

Sion commented: "We are focused on supporting local businesses in all sectors, not just our own, which also lowers our carbon footprint and further strengthens the economy in this region at a challenging time for all industries."

For more on Hafod Renewable Energy, visit www.hafodrenewables.co.uk

For more information on PetPlace, including the PetPlace Plus+ loyalty app, follow @petplaceUK on Facebook and Instagram or email hello@farmandpetplace.co.uk