A century-old Black Country manufacturer is entering a new era of low-carbon innovation with a major boost from the West Midlands mayor’s business support programme.
Thomas Dudley Ltd, based in Dudley and run by the founder’s great-grandson, has received £100,000 from the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) to overhaul its energy systems and reduce emissions. T
he funding is part of mayor Richard Parker’s wider drive to help thousands of firms cut carbon and energy bills.
£200k savings and major carbon cuts
The family-run business, founded in 1920 as an iron foundry, now manufactures the UK’s largest range of plastic plumbing products.
Its investment, combined with the BEAS grant, will reduce carbon emissions by over 300 tonnes a year – the equivalent of taking 175 cars off the road – and cut energy costs by £200,000 annually.
Mayor praises region’s manufacturers
Parker visited the site to see new low-carbon heating, lighting upgrades, and energy-efficient manufacturing equipment in action.
He said: “Manufacturers like Thomas Dudley Ltd are the backbone of our economy. This support helps them grow, stay competitive, and provide good local jobs.”
‘Turbocharged’ shift to sustainability
Company chairman Martin Dudley said an energy audit by Pro Enviro helped identify inefficient equipment and target improvements.
“This isn’t a one-off. It’s part of a full decarbonisation programme across our group, and BEAS has turbocharged what we’re able to do,” he said.
Thousands of West Midlands firms eligible
The initiative is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s plan to reach net zero by 2041.
Some 4,000 businesses have joined the scheme, with potential annual energy savings of £24 million and carbon cuts equal to emissions from 30,000 cars.SMEs can apply for a free energy audit and up to £100,000 in match funding for greener tech and upgrades via: businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk.
