Project Overview
Howdens is the UK’s leading supplier of kitchens, joinery, and hardware to the trade. As the company has grown and expanded its manufacturing operations, Contrac Lighting has been proud to manufacture and supply lighting solutions for its Yorkshire factory sites. From our factory to theirs, we have supported Howdens for many years, delivering everything from traditional fluorescent lighting systems to today’s advanced, energy-efficient LED solutions. This long-standing partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to quality, innovation, and operational excellence.
The Challenge
Howdens’ Yorkshire sites comprise of nine distinct operational areas, ranging from the exhibition hall and office spaces to the manufacturing of skirting, cabinet production, storage, and distribution facilities. Each environment presented unique lighting requirements, demanding a tailored approach to achieve the correct illumination levels and support operational efficiency.
Contrac Lighting manufactured bespoke industrial luminaires for each area, ensuring the required lux levels were achieved in accordance with the specific tasks being undertaken. Intelligent lighting controls, including PIR sensors, were incorporated where appropriate to maximise energy savings and reduce unnecessary operating hours.
In critical inspection and quality control areas, high colour rendering index (CRI) LED boards were utilised to provide exceptional colour accuracy and visibility, enabling detailed product assessment and helping maintain Howdens’ high manufacturing standards.
The Solution
Design
- Lighting calculations
- Product selection
- Bespoke modifications
- Layout development
Engineering
- Custom fabrication
- Mounting solutions
- Structural considerations
- Control systems
Manufacturing
- Sheet metal fabrication
- Powder coating
- Assembly
- Testing
Project Details
| Client | Howdens |
| Sector | Industrial |
| Location | Yorkshire, UK |
| Products | High bay/Low Bay and Industrial Linear Luminaires |
| Services | Design, Manufacture, Supply |
Manufacturing Capability
From raw sheet steel to the finished product, every luminaire supplied to Howdens was manufactured and quality checked at our factory. The process began with sheet steel being punched, formed, and bent before undergoing powder coating, assembly, wiring, and rigorous testing to ensure compliance with the required performance standards.
Each fitting was specifically designed and manufactured for its intended application, incorporating the correct PIR controls where required to maximise energy efficiency and operational performance. For areas with more demanding environmental conditions, additional protection measures were incorporated into the luminaires, including enhanced seals and gaskets to improve ingress protection. In some cases, fittings were manufactured without rear-entry holes to further prevent the ingress of dust and contaminants.
This tailored manufacturing approach ensured that every luminaire was fit for purpose, robust enough for its environment, and capable of delivering reliable performance throughout Howdens’ diverse manufacturing, storage, and distribution operations.
Technical Performance
| Requirement / Standard | Result / Compliance |
|---|---|
| Average Lux Level (Factory 9) | 320 Lux |
| Uniformity (Factory 9) | 0.58 |
| Colour Temperature | 4000K |
| CRI | 80 |
| Maintenance Life | 52,000+ Hours |
Installation
By manufacturing in-house, we can provide realistic lead times and dependable delivery schedules, allowing installation works to be planned efficiently and with confidence. This flexibility, combined with our commitment to quality and service, has enabled us to build a long-standing relationship with Howdens and continue supporting their expanding operational requirements.
Project Outcomes
- UK manufacturing supporting UK manufacturing. By designing and producing luminaires at our Yorkshire facility for one of the UK's leading kitchen, joinery, and hardware manufacturers, we have helped support the UK economy while delivering high-quality, sustainable lighting solutions.
- Every project began with a detailed site survey and lighting design to ensure each area achieved the required lux levels, operational performance, and energy efficiency targets. By manufacturing bespoke luminaires tailored to the specific needs of each environment, from production and inspection areas to storage and distribution facilities, we ensured that every fitting was designed to perform the task required.
- The transition from fluorescent lighting to modern LED technology, combined with intelligent controls such as PIR sensors, has significantly reduced energy consumption and maintenance requirements across the sites. Our ability to manufacture in-house also allows us to provide realistic lead times, dependable delivery schedules, and the flexibility to adapt products to the unique demands of each application.
- Through a commitment to quality, sustainability, and British manufacturing, Contrac Lighting continues to support Howdens' growing operations with reliable, efficient, and bespoke lighting solutions that enhance productivity, reduce operating costs, and provide long-term value.
