More than just a new office for a team that has changed the way the world measures the wind
ZX Lidars, the team behind the original ‘wind Lidar’ used to measure the wind in onshore and offshore wind energy projects, has officially opened the doors for the first time at ‘Willow End’ at the foot of the beautiful Malvern Hills, Worcestershire.
The sensitive and landscape-led development site comprises a ~3,000 square metre research, development and production facility, built to high-quality, that is responsive in design to the local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Willow End protects and enhances existing and wider biodiversity based on ecological enhancement plans including wildflower grassland, an orchard, extensive tree planting and reinstatement of a natural pond. The building is of low visual impact, low carbon footprint and is both environmentally and ‘human’ friendly using sustainable materials throughout, with air source heat pumps and solar PV on the roof elevations. Over one hundred stakeholders were part of the consultation process, fundamental to ZX’s approach to its new home at Willow End, respecting and incorporating the views and regulations of many.
As Ian Locker, Managing Director at ZX Lidars comments: “It was never going to be ‘just’ an office, nor would you expect it to be either if you know us. Willow End isn’t just part of our future, it will help to support the family we are and it will welcome our new members as we continue to grow.”
Zephir Ltd, which trades as ZX Lidars, has been based in the local area since its establishment in 2007. The company operates globally and has been responsible for changing the way the world measures wind, primarily in support of the wind energy industry where the wind measurements collected are a cornerstone of any wind farm development. ZX Lidars designs, manufactures, sells and supports ‘wind Lidars’ which use the Doppler shift scientific principle to remotely measure the wind. This removes the need to install tall masts to collect such data, and with measurements now required at heights up to several hundred metres to successfully deploy modern wind turbines, this is really only possible with wind Lidar.
The need for and acceptance of wind energy continues to grow. “And with that the demand for our Lidars” Locker continues, “we were always going to need more than just an office. Climate change is real, it’s as simple as that. The evidence is there, it was always there. It is our collective responsibility, for each and every one of us, to play our part. And so the wind energy industry is one area where we can actively support that, and our Lidars are often the first step in any project, ultimately tackling climate change the world over.”
“Willow End was built by a team, for a team. There are simply too many companies and individuals involved to mention by name – they know who they are, and they were often brilliant in delivering this project following the unprecedented times of Covid. I thank them all sincerely, something truly amazing has been created”
And, making every second count, the first wind Lidar at Willow End has already been manufactured and tested ahead of the doors opening. Production continues at pace as does life at ZX Lidars.
The following are a selection of comments from the Planning Committee with regard to ZX Lidars and Willow End:
- “A very green sustainable building with biodiversity enhancements around the Site.“
- “The sooner it’s there, the better.”
- “There is an Orchard, wildflowers to help our under-pressure bees and insects, a pond which we know shall encourage wildlife and…. Allotments. It is a shame more companies do not follow this applicants example.”
- “This application represents long-term investment to both the economy and employment within the Malvern Hills District.”
- “A quality employer – a very green company”
The company’s address is confirmed as:
ZX Lidars,
Willow End,
Blackmore Park Rd,
Malvern
WR13 6BD
UK
