AVA Lights – the North West-based LED lighting specialists – has secured a contract to supply energy-efficient lighting to Virgin train stations across the country.

Virgin Trains has invested in AVA’s revolutionary LED lighting technology to help reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs for many of its train sites across the UK. The large-scale refurbishment project, which begins in February, will cover over 13 train stations and car parks nationwide. These include Coventry, Lancaster, Carlisle, Wigan and Penrith, with more locations expected to follow during the year.

Lighting accounts for a significant amount of energy usage across Virgin’s properties and AVA LED technology was specifically chosen to offer a cost-effective route in achieving a 90 per cent reduction in power consumption, when compared to out-dated lighting technologies.

The AVA LED products, which will be installed in the different locations, include T8 tube lights, lamps and panel lamps, as well as AVA’s latest Ellipse range for down-lights and panels. The lighting solutions also include a microwave-dimming technology in both tubes and panels for on site safety and extended product life. Facilities management firm, Lorne Stewart - who selected the products on behalf of Virgin Trains and responsible for the installation - is confident the chosen AVA products are perfect for Virgin’s requirements.

AVA’s LED Downlight, which will be predominantly used across the sites, was developed and designed on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change in Whitehall. Designed to reduce industrial energy and maintenance costs, AVA products will pay for their upfront investment cost via large savings long term.

Craig Lewis, chief executive of AVA Lights, said: “After working with Virgin Trains last year on several initial projects, we’re delighted to have been offered this prestigious lighting refurbishment contract. We know how committed Virgin is to reducing its energy consumption and maintenance costs, and strongly believe our AVA LED products will most certainly help them to achieve their goals.”

Andy Cross, Virgin Trains’ Business Support Director said:
“We want the experience our customers have at stations to match the great environment on our trains. Replacing the existing lighting units at stations saves carbon and improves the overall ambience. But improved reliability also frees up valuable time for our maintenance staff to attend to other issues affecting our customers.” 

In the latest phase of this project, AVA branded LED lighting products have been used to light up parts of Birmingham International Railway Station and Stafford train station car parks. The next roll out of new LED light fittings begins in February and will continue until the middle of 2014.